‘The Gospel According to the Other Mary’
“The Gospel According to the Other Mary” returned Thursday with revisions by composer John Adams and an abstract staging by librettist-director Peter Sellars. Kelley O’Connor, left, sings the title role in this version of Christ’s Passion as seen through the eyes of Mary Magdalene. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)
Three countertenors serve as narrators. They are, from left, Nathan Medley, Brian Cummings and Daniel Bubeck. Behind them are, from left, Tamara Mumford as Martha, Kelley O’Connor as Mary Magdalene and dancer Troy Ogilvie. The oratorio, commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, has returned in revised form a year after its introduction. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)
The narrators, from left, Daniel Bubeck, Brian Cummings and Nathan Medley interact with Tamara Mumford as Martha. In this retelling of the biblical story, Martha and Mary run a shelter for homeless and unemployed women. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)
Kelley O’Connor’s Mary Magdalene, in front, is held by Tamara Mumford as her sister, Martha. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)
The story of Christ’s Passion is told by a cast that includes, from left, dancer Troy Ogilvie, Russell Thomas as Lazarus, Kelley O’Connor (in front of him) as Mary Magdalene, Tamara Mumford as Martha and countertenor narrators Daniel Bubeck, Brian Cummings and Nathan Medley. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)
At the conclusion of Thursday’s opening performance, librettist-director Peter Sellars, center, embraces conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Tamara Mumford, who portrays Martha, looks on. The Los Angeles Philharmonic will take “The Gospel According to the Other Mary” on tour to Europe and to New York. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)
