Reimagining Mary Magdalene: an exploration of John Adams's The Gospel according the the other Mary

Abstract

Although John Adams is very well known as a composer of contemporary classical music and has achieved widespread acclaim for some of his works, most notably Nixon in China and Dr Atomic, his oratorio The Gospel According to the Other Mary is less well known and has had little scholarly attention. This thesis explores the role of the female narrative in The Gospel According to the Other Mary using the libretto compiled by Peter Sellars. It also examines the processes involved in the performance preparation of the role of Mary Magdalene. The lack of research on this oratorio is addressed by exploring how Adams’s interpretation challenges conventional narratives and focuses on the importance of the female voice in a biblical story by reimagining Mary as a pivotal figure. Adams brings this story to life by placing it in a twenty-first-century context, using a contemporary oratorio structure and combining biblical passages with modern texts by contemporary female writers Rosario Castellanos, Dorothy Day and Louise Erdrich. Unlike traditional depictions that often present Mary Magdalene as a marginal figure, Adams’s interpretation offers a multidimensional portrayal that highlights the importance of her role in the life of Jesus.

This research examines the role of Mary Magdalene from a performance perspective, demonstrating how the character integrates vocal expression and emotional depth to construct a layered portrayal that engages with both historical and contemporary themes. Through a detailed analysis of the vocal demands and emotional expression required in The Gospel According to the Other Mary, this study highlights how the character’s performance not only reinterprets traditional biblical narratives but also addresses present-day social and political issues.