"Testament of Mary" Opening April 27th at the Dairy Arts Center
"Her son. Her story. The silenced witness speaks."
"For more than two thousand years, Mary has been silent. Seen by the world but until now, not heard. At long last, this Mary speaks a defiant truth – in a voice that is both tender and fierce. Not the familiar saint – she seeks redemption in sharing her personal version of the truth of her son’s death by writing her own Gospel on her own terms. The men are relentless in their attempts to compel her to agree to their memory as the official record of the truth. Mary is immovable, as she recounts Jesus’ last days – her only son and the incomparable sacrifice.
At the heart of this performance is the heart of a woman grieving an immeasurable loss and constantly asking the question, was it worth it?
“Plays as stark and strong as this don’t come along very often….this is a work of manifest integrity.” The Telegraph, UK.
Originally produced on Broadway by Scott Rudin Productions. Commissioned by Dublin Theatre Festival and Landmark Productions with the support of Irish Theatre Trust.
Written by one of the world’s greatest living novelists, this is a profound, poetic and immensely thoughtful reimagining of one of Western cultures foundational narratives. Irish writer Colm Toibin has been shortlisted for the prestigious Booker Prize on three occasions and wrote the novel on which the film Brooklyn, is based.
In the role of Mary, is Tamara Meneghini, an actor known for her work on Master Class, by Terrance McNally (presented at the Dairy Center for the Arts) and most recently Elizabeth I – In Her Own Words, an original work based on the life of Queen Elizabeth I.
Transforming the Carsen Theatre at the Dairy Arts Center is renowned director and theatre artist, Ami Dayan (Reason, Master Class, Conviction, Tale of the Tiger, Masked). Having worked together several times in the past, Meneghini and Dayan bring a unique light to this hallowed tale of truth and passion.
Tickets available at Dairy Arts Center: 303-444-7328 / "- , Associate Professor, Department of Theatre & Dance, University of Colorado Boulder
Results:
As a result of this Regional Premiere Performance, we had many who were already interested in the novel (of the same title) and appeared to “like the play better”. The accompanying panel presentations, following five selected performances provided a space for audience members to talk about their responses to the play and even more importantly – about what they did or did not believe. The panels were largely taken as an open door for audience members to share things that they had not thought of otherwise. We have been invited by two producing theatre entities in Denver and in the midwest to consider further performances. Thanks to CWC for the support to bring this important story to Boulder…and, even more, beyond!
The Center for Western Civilization, Thought and Policy funds research and educational initiatives that contribute to critical reflection on the development of Western civilization. All Ҵýƽ faculty and students are eligible to apply If you are interested in applying for a CWCTP faculty grant, deadlines are rolling throughout the year.