Archaeology on the Opera Stage

Rare, if ever, is it that an archaeological excavation in the Holy Land is the backdrop for an opera. But that is the case in the opening scene of a new opera that received its premiere at the prestigious San Francisco Opera last June. Called The Gospel of Mary Magdalene, score and libretto by veteran opera composer Mark Adamo, the opera reimagines Jesus’ life through the eyes of Mary Magdalene during the time leading up to his crucifixion. Adamo’s work, inspired by the Gnostic Gospels, presents the Magdalene as Jesus’ most important disciple—and also his wife.a In the opening […]