The Gospel According to the Other Mary, Colliseum ****

The company of The Gospel According to the Other May

I don't think I have ever seen a traditional opera at the ENO. First, a production of the Magic Flute where they made sound and video effects on stage and a raised orchestra pit. Then, a Glass opera with a Sanskrit libretto, no surtitles and giant puppets. Now, John Adams and Peter Sellars give their take on the Passion of Christ and it seems like they have gone out of their way to avoid the common cliches. The main thing to note about this staged oratorio is the lack of Jesus. He is instead portrayed by the dancer Banks (Angel Gabriel) and three countertenors (Seraphim). These four people provide some of the most wonder of the show. Banks seems to have full control of every single muscle in his body and I was transfixed on him whenever he starts moving. The countertenors were also extraordinary. The voice of the countertenor is undoubtedly my favorite as it pierces the air and beguiles you like no other voice can. Therefore, three of them singing with Adam's masterful harmonies is truly wonderful. The rest of the ensemble also give masterful performances with an interesting portrayal of Martha by the contralto Meredith Arwady to the Tenor Russell Thomas giving an impressive performance as the singing Lazarus whilst the dancer Parinay Mehra portraying the same role through dance. The show is perhaps too minimalist for it's own good, with the lack of set or costume perhaps showing the signs of the companies lack of money rather than the daring, extraordinary piece which it most certainly is. The music, whilst far from lyrical, is beautiful and deserves as much exposure as it can. Whilst this staging may not have been essential, the experience of the dancing and music is well worth any money spent to see it.