“And then something extraordinary happens: to the sound of beautiful music, the sculptures come to life. When the women from Les Femmes passionately sing the words of the hymn from the Hours of the Virgin of Sorrows: ‘Hail, living Altar,’ they look exactly as if they had descended to us directly from a masterpiece of woodcarving from the early 16th century.”

Gość Niedzielny
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“The audience gave a standing ovation to thank the performers for a wonderful feast for the soul and body.”

Pruszcz Gdański naszemiasto.pl
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Listen to the story of The Three Marys: 
Afternoon with Animus: on the premiere of the spectacle/oratorio “The Three Marys”, Polskie Radio RDC

“The Three Marys” tells the story of the women who accompanied Jesus in His Passion and Resurrection: Mary – the Mother of God, Mary Magdalene, and Mary of Cleophas. The inspiration for the performance came from the sculptures of medieval Netherlandish masters, originating from the Pruszcz altar “Crucifixion.” For centuries, it was the central feature of the Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Pruszcz Gdański. This late medieval Antwerp polyptych is now housed in the National Museum in Warsaw.

“The Three Marys” is a musical work by Anna Rocławska-Musiałczyk. The composer uses texts from the Old and New Testaments, ancient church songs, and contemporary religious poetry. The new sound design and the sum of all elements ultimately transform the performance into a mystery.

The “revival” of the Marys was made possible by costumes designed by Małgorzata Wasik, which are almost faithful copies of the altar sculptures’ garments, and the set design by Cyprian Wieczorkowski, which references Gothic stained glass windows.

Today, the Three Marys “descend from the altar” to speak after five hundred years and become an extraordinary “ambassador” of high art, crossing national borders with their European heritage. The spectacle, although deeply rooted in Christian tradition, carries a thoroughly universal message. The Women from the Altar call for hope and the joy of life. “The Three Marys” is a mystery of aesthetic beauty and universal human values.

Cast:

Director: Les Femmes
Music: Anna Rocławska-Musiałczyk
Costumes: Emwudesign Małgorzata Wasik
Set Design: Cyprian Wieczorkowski
Graphics: Wiercany Create & Discover Co

Performers:

Les Femmes
Joanna Sobowiec – Jamioł – soprano
Natalia Krajewska – Kitowska – soprano
Emilia Osowska – mezzo-soprano
Piotr Jamioł – music director

Instrumental ensemble:
Hanna Chylińska – I violin, Aleksandra Kowacz – II violin, Anna Prusińska – viola, Maria Szagżdowicz – cello, Mateusz Kot – double bass, Kuba Musik – clarinet, Alicja Garczarek – harp, Paweł Nowicki – vibraphone, percussion. Piotr Jamioł – conductor

Duration: 70 min.