(Lights come up. The UNICORN appears on stage. He roams around looking for MAGDALENE, searching for her. He looks here and there but cannot find her.
The UNICORN exits. Lights fade.)

(Lights come up. The set is LYDIA’S kitchen. The New York City skyline can be seen in the distance and the sounds of afternoon traffic can be heard through an open window. It is a hot summer afternoon, and the summer breeze is nowhere to be found.

Lydia's apartment is furnished with her two sons’ toys, belongings, and athletic gear. There is a framed print of the “Last Supper” by DaVinci hanging in the kitchen.

LYDIA can be heard offstage sending her two boys off for an overnight camp. Her coffee cup is on the table, along with the remnants of the kids’ lunch. MAGDALENE is staring at the print of the “The Last Supper”. LYDIA enters the room and goes right to the refrigerator. She sees MAGDALENE and turns around, turns back to the refrigerator, takes out the orange juice, turns back around to see MAGDALENE,
and drops the orange juice carton.)

LYDIA
Oh my God !

MAGDALENE
Do you have a gun ?

LYDIA
What ?

MAGDALENE
Are you going to call the police or try to kill me ?

LYDIA
What ?

MAGDALENE
Do you know who I am ?

LYDIA
No. WAIT A MINUTE. How did you get in here ? Who are you ? Are you - ? You can’t be, can you ? But you could be…I bet you are…oh my God !

MAGDALENE
I was sent here by –
LYDIA
Oh my God. You’re an angel ?

MAGDALENE
Not quite.

LYDIA
You’re someone special, aren’t you ? Oh my God ! And look at me. I’m a mess.
(LYDIA touches her hair.)

Bad hair day. Do you mind if I go to the bathroom and clean myself up ? I’ll just be a minute. Promise.

MAGDALENE
Go ahead. I’m in no hurry.

(LYDIA exits.

MAGDALENE looks around for paper towels and begins wiping up the orange juice on the kitchen floor. She finds a trinket on the floor, picks it up and puts it on the table.

MAGDALENE walks over to the sink, rinses her hands, and looks up at the print of
“The Last Supper” which is hanging over the kitchen sink.

LYDIA, who could be heard offstage repeatedly flushing the toilet, re-enters the room.)

LYDIA
There…that’s better.

MAGDALENE
Are you okay ?

LYDIA
Much better. Got a little over-excited – when I saw you. Sitting there. I just had a funny feeling when I woke up today. Knew this could be a special day. And the kids are gone until tomorrow…wow. Kinda scary…the way things work out sometimes. You know ?

MAGDALENE
Do you know who I am, Lydia ?

LYDIA
Some sort of angel…or maybe a saint. Is that it ? You’re a saint ? And you’ve come to visit me ? Oh my God ! Why me ? You ARE a saint, aren’t you ?

MAGDALENE
I am Magdalene.
LYDIA
(Gasping in disbelief)
Oh my God ! Mary Magdalene ?

MAGDALENE
Yes.

LYDIA
Are you really ? Oh my God !

MAGDALENE
Yes, I am. Really.

LYDIA
It’s the book. You saw the book, didn’t you ? I knew that book would stir things up. Cause some trouble.

MAGDALENE
(Smiling)
You are not in trouble, Lydia. The book is good. Wish more people would read that book.

LYDIA
The book is good ? Wow…boy am I relieved.

MAGDALENE
Don’t doubt yourself, Lydia.

LYDIA
That’s not so easy. I mean -

MAGDALENE
Why ?

LYDIA
Well, you know…don’t you ? I’ve made some stupid decisions in my life. Do you know my story ? ‘Cause I’m not sure exactly what you know about me…

MAGDALENE
(Laughing)
I know what I need to know.

LYDIA
Oh…sorry. Right. I’m trying to understand this moment. It’s hard. Hey, this is my Kodak moment…isn’t it ? Let’s take a picture, Mary. ‘Cause nobody will believe me. Sorry… I’m a little overwhelmed here…I believe in God and all but never really imagined being visited by Mary Magdalene. It’s kinda cool. You know, wow…so many questions…I have so many.

MAGDALENE
Then ask me some.

LYDIA
Right now ? Well…uhh…will you be staying awhile ?

MAGDALENE
(Looking around)
Yes. I will. It’s more peaceful here than the last place I visited…Yes. I would like to stay here for awhile…answer some questions for you. Just talk.

LYDIA
You would ? I mean, I’m honored…but…talk ? How ? Like girl talk ? I’m confused.

MAGDALENE
(Looking towards the window)
It’s very warm out today. And there’s a smell in the air. Do you smell it ?

LYDIA
Oh, it’s summertime…summer in the city. Isn’t it lovely, Mary ?

MAGDALENE
It’s quite the place – this city.

LYDIA
New York City. Hub of the universe, they say. (Pauses) Are you thirsty ? Oh my God…would you like something to drink ?

MAGDALENE
Yes, please.

LYDIA
My apologies ! Oh my God. Let me make you something to eat. You must be starving.

MAGDALENE
(Looking around)
Yes I am. Funny how things change when you come back here.

LYDIA
(Lydia gets up and puts together some bread, fruit, and cheese for her guest.)
Here, please eat. And don’t be shy. There’s plenty of food if you want more. Whatever you want, please…
(MAGDALENE begins eating.)

You know, Mary, I’m a history teacher. Yes, Lydia the history teacher. And I’m obsessed with religious history…but I can’t teach it in the public schools…which is a shame…but that’s another story…anyway, I read lots of books about religious history. It’s interesting but so confusing. I always have questions. Mary, I have so many questions for you…do you mind if I write them down while you eat ?

MAGDALENE
Maybe we should limit you to ten questions for now…how’s that ?

LYDIA
Whatever you say…whatever you want. I’ll be right back.

(LYDIA exits the stage. She can be heard repeating “Oh my God!”)
MAGDALENE eats.
LYDIA re-enters with a stack of books.)

MAGDALENE
Have enough books there ? Read alot, don’t you, Lydia ?

LYDIA
(Writing down her questions on a pad)
Sure do. That’s why I teach. Books. My books take me away. To my adventurous life.

MAGDALENE
I lived in a very adventurous time, you know. Different. But daring. The world was not like today. Not like this. So electric. And e-mail ? Who could have imagined ? Go ahead, Lydia, ask your questions of me.

LYDIA
(Looking up)
Okay, first question. Your family of origin – who were they ? Were they Martha and Lazarus ? And where were your parents ?
MAGDALENE
(Looking somewhat annoyed)
Is that one question or three ?

LYDIA
Oh…I’m sorry. I’m really excited. You want me to be…you want my questions –

MAGDALENE
It would be better if your questions came from your heart.

LYDIA
But I’m a history teacher. I like facts – names, places, things like that.

MAGDALENE
I am not here for a history lesson, Lydia.

LYDIA
Oh…I see.
(The phone rings. LYDIA answers the phone, speaks quickly and hangs up.)

It’s my sister-in-law. I told her I’d call back. She and my brother – good people. Good to me and the kids. With my being a single parent and all. Not easy with these boys. But my brother is like a father to them. He’s a good man.

MAGDALENE
Where is their father ?

LYDIA
Long story, Mary. Don’t want to waste time talking about him now. I’m sure you don’t want to hear about him.

MAGDALENE
Well, yes I do. I think it’s important.

LYDIA
Important ? You do ? Okay…he’s not here.

MAGDALENE
That’s it ?

LYDIA
I thought I got to ask you ten questions ?

MAGDALENE
You’ve already asked me three.

LYDIA
And you haven’t answered one of them. Now you’re asking me questions.

MAGDALENE
Okay. Fair enough. Ask me your question. Or I will answer all three.

LYDIA
No…wait. This is my question. Mary Magdalene, Who was your family of origin ?

MAGDALENE
Did God not create us ? Or the divine spark that is creation ?

Some say that my sister was Martha and my brother was Lazarus. But no one mentions my parents. Didn’t I have to have parents to come into this world – physically speaking ?
For some unknown reason there is no mention of them.

LYDIA
Oh my God…I never thought of that.

MAGDALENE
(Getting up from the table and walking to front center stage.)
It was a tragic time. There was so little happiness to be found. Roman soldiers everywhere…their loss was a tragic one, especially for me. And then there was the man who tried to be my father, but –

LYDIA
Oh my God. I’ve read about this.

MAGDALENE
You understand a father like that, don’t you, Lydia ?

LYDIA
This is confusing.

MAGDALENE
Lydia, where are your memories ?

LYDIA
Excuse me ?
MAGDALENE
Your soul…where are your memories ?

LYDIA
I don’t know.

MAGDALENE
Don’t you remember these things ?

LYDIA
What things ? You ask me to remember things. You want me to talk about my ex-husband. Why ? He was an alcoholic, if you don’t already know that. He was abusive, just like my father. Not sexually abusive. Not even physically abusive. Just with words. Words that knocked me to the ground. Every time. Why do I need to remember that ?

(LYDIA gets up and walks towards MAGDALENE.)

Why do I need to remember that ? I’ve done my share of therapy. Read my share of books. How much pain can you hold onto ?

MAGDALENE
Less than you can bury inside of yourself.

LYDIA
I’ve had to raise two boys. Without a man around the house. Not that I wanted it that way. And with haunting memories of my own father. I’ve tried to do the best I could.

When the kids were smaller, I was in therapy, and I would come home and fall apart. That didn’t help us. Who was going to put food on the table ? I wasn’t getting much child support. Yah…my brother and sister-in-law were there - to help out - but I didn’t want a hand-out. Not raised that way.

(LYDIA shakes her head.)

Who was I going to call ? My parents ? Mom used to send over dinner all the time, God love her, but Dad, he’s still abusive to this day. It’s his mouth. Who wants to hear that ? I’m a grown woman and look at the permanent damage it’s done to me.

(LYDIA walks back to the table and starts eating.)

It’s hard enough to deal with the guilt I feel with my kids. I didn’t want this for them. I didn’t want them to have to go through all of this.

MAGDALENE
(Walking back to the table)
They can’t be removed from the hurt if you’re still aching from it.

LYDIA
You know, I’m beginning to think this isn’t such a good idea.

MAGDALENE
How much longer are you going to bury your feelings, Lydia ?

LYDIA
(Grabbing MAGDALENE’S hands)
I was so happy that you came. So honored that you decided to visit me. ME ! Little ol’ me. I don’t want to waste time talking about my ex-husband and my father. Besides, Mary, my father is sick. He’s got cancer. Like Mom. It’s depressing.

MAGDALENE
I’m sorry. Does he know his maker ?

LYDIA
What’d you think ? Now my mother, God rest her soul, she knew the Lord. She taught me about God, about Jesus, about forgiveness, about all things Christian.

She knew God and was happy to die when the cancer was taking her. Kept saying – I’m going home, Lydia. Into waiting arms. He’s waiting for me. She suffered but she smiled through her suffering. Until the last minute. That was Mom. That’s the way she was…

But, Dad…he’s a different story. A mean man. He went to work, paid the bills. Made sure my brother and I went to college and got what he thought we should have.

But he made us pay for that. Made us pay a price for that privilege. Used his authority to please his own desire…made sure he let us know we really weren’t good enough…good enough for college, but not Ivy league. Good enough to teach, but not be the principal. He was tough, hard on me and my brother.

(LYDIA gets up and leaves the table.)

Those were miserable days. He tried to control everything we did. But it wasn’t obvious. You couldn’t look at him and see that’s what he was doin’. No. He was a private man. Kept things private. Inside the family. Inside the circle.

MAGDALENE
Where all abusers love to do their dirty work.
LYDIA
Did it matter if he hurt us just with words ? Would it have hurt more if he beat us ? And sexually molested us ? I DON’T KNOW. But I do know he hurt us, and I do know he robbed us of innocence…the innocence of our childhood.

I cried when my mother died. But with him, I don’t know. Christian love just ain’t kickin’ in. Got to admit. I still hate him, not only for the things he did, but, for the things he didn’t do.

MAGDALENE
You should forgive him before he dies. But you probably know that.

LYDIA
You’re right. I know. I should.

MAGDALENE
Will you ?

LYDIA
I don’t know.
(LYDIA walks over to the window and stares outside.
There is silence.)

Strange day, isn’t it ? Hot one. Want something cold to drink, Mary ? I have lemonade. Perfect for a hot summer day. Just like today. Put a smile on your face…

MAGDALENE
I remember hot summer days…
(Lemonade is poured and they sit together at the table.)
Well, are you going to ask me another question ? The first one was a tough one. Maybe you could ask me something easier.

LYDIA
(Flipping through her books)
Okay…okay. That sounds good. Yah, let’s lighten up. Okay. Mary Magdalene, question: what is the meaning of the alabaster jar ?

MAGDALENE
The alabaster jar. Reported in Matthew, Mark. Luke, and John. The anointing, Lydia. The oil was rare and quite expensive, but I was a woman of means…independent.

The anointing of my beloved. As I anointed his body while living, I would also anoint his precious body when he died. Not that I wanted him to die…

But there is another meaning. Not of the jar but of its contents. The Song of Songs – you know it. The bride spreads her aromatic nard around her bridegroom. It is the ancient song of the Sacred Marriage. The dialogue of the lovers.

LYDIA
Oh, dear. I don’t know what to say. I’ve been reading about that, about the meaning of the Sacred Marriage. But I never made that connection before. Oh my God.

MAGDALENE
Say nothing. Just open your heart, your mind. And keep reading.

LYDIA
Oh, don’t worry. I will. Okay…how about another question ?

MAGDALENE
This would be number three.

LYDIA
Correct. Here goes. Ready ?
(MAGDALENE nods.)
Mary Magdalene, your last name – Magdalene – what does it mean ?

MAGDALENE
Some say Magdala was the village where I came from. A prosperous fishing village on the northwest bank of the Lake of Galilee. A melting pot of culture and ideas. Like this place. I say it was a place for my education, for my meaning, for my healing.

But there is another meaning. Magdala – interpretation - tower or fortress. I would need to be strong to endure what they did to my Jesus, don’t you think ? His was an ugly, horrible death. And I loved him so.

LYDIA
But you were the first to witness the resurrection ?

MAGDALENE
Yes.

LYDIA
Why ?

MAGDALENE
Because…it was destined. I believed in him in a different way. I understood his teachings in a way deep inside my soul. Jesus said he would suffer and die. No one else believed him but me. I was his most devoted disciple. A reflection of his message.
I was evidence, living proof of his healing and his love. He took my feelings of powerlessness away. Do you know those feelings, Lydia ? I watched the demons fly out of my body, one by one. But the last demon was the most difficult one. I didn’t think I could make, never thought I would completely let go of it. The bitterness. Do you know that bitterness, Lydia ? Somewhere deep inside you soul ?

When I was able to let go, I was able to be free. Of the last demon. For what had been done to me. But there’s more to it than that.

LYDIA
There’s more ?

MAGDALENE
As I became a new creation, so I became the new Eve. Not Adam’s Eve, not the Eve of transgression. I was chosen, like it or not…to transform woman as a cunning liar to woman as an intelligent witness. Jesus wanted to change that image.

LYDIA
(Putting her books down on the table)
I’m confused. Weren’t you a prostitute ?

MAGDALENE
No.

LYDIA
You weren’t ?

MAGDALENE
(standing up from the table)
Question 8.

LYDIA
(Standing up, face-to-face with MAGDALENE.)
Now I’m getting mad.

MAGDALENE
(Somewhat sarcastically)
Why ? Because you’ve reached Question 8 ?

LYDIA
Because…if you’re telling the truth, then your history has been falsely recorded !
That makes me mad. Mary, this isn’t funny…are you telling the truth ?

MAGDALENE
Is that another question ? Question number 9 ?

LYDIA
Yes, it is. Now…please…answer it.

MAGDALENE
I am telling the truth. I was not a prostitute.

LYDIA
Oh my ! I’m…I suspected something was wrong. But I’m speechless.

MAGDALENE
I’ve had 2000 years to deal with the shock, Lydia. It’s not so shocking to me anymore. But it has taken a long time for people to wake up to other possibilities.

The discovery of my gospel in Egypt was a little divine intervention…as were so many other things.

(MAGDALENE moves from behind the kitchen table and walks to front center stage.)

There are so many reasons. So many reasons. So much conflict and struggle. Subversion. How could I even begin to tell this story ?

LYDIA
(Walking over to the sink)
I’m going to put on a pot of coffee for this one.

MAGDALENE
(Pointing in LYDIA’S direction)
See that picture over the sink. Why do you have it there ?

LYDIA
The Last Supper ?

MAGDALENE
DaVinci’s Last Supper. That version. Of all the paintings to have in this room, there hangs that one. Over your sink. How many times a day do you look at that picture ?

LYDIA
More times than I care to remember. I wash a lot of dishes, Mary.

MAGDALENE
I washed a lot of dishes back then, too. Do you see me in that painting ?

LYDIA
No ! Oh my God. Where ?

MAGDALENE
On the right hand of my beloved.

LYDIA
(LYDIA looks at the piece, squinting and staring.)
Looks like a woman…could be you, I guess.

MAGDALENE
I was there. They…the apostles…they did not understood the real significance of that meal. But I did. Right then and there. And I understood and cried for his suffering that was to come. It was the knowing that made it so difficult. I loved him so much.

LYDIA
(Turning around)
How come people don’t recognize you…and know you were there ?

MAGDALENE
First century Palestine was not a kind place. Especially for women. You…you live in a society that places importance on you. You move about in society and work with men. Eat with men. Study with men. That was not the way back then…

LYDIA
So you’re saying –

MAGDALENE
What I’m saying…is…that history has been altered.

LYDIA
Wouldn’t be the first time. Really. My generation knows that, all too well.

MAGDALENE
It is important that you understand. It is your responsibility to understand. To listen with an open heart. With an open mind. You are a smart woman, Lydia.

(Begins to dance and move freely)
I knew of Jesus before he healed me. I was loved by Jesus and I loved him. I followed him and spent countless hours talking with him, listening to him, absorbing every word of his teachings. The sun rose on his lips and set on his heart. He was like no other.
He taught me many things. Of the mysteries of faith. Of the secrets of the universe. He made me question, and laugh. I felt the warmth of his soul.

He released my from my own captivity. I was healed from my self-imposed isolation… and with him by my side, I attained enlightenment. Gnosis.

LYDIA
Gnosis ? Yes…I’ve read about it. But wasn’t Gnostic thinking banned ?

MAGDALENE
No, not right away. That came later. But Jesus, who did he share his most essential moments with ? Contrary to prevailing tradition and culture, he shared them with women.

LYDIA
(Pours herself a cup of coffee)
Go on, Mary. This is so interesting. Would you like some ? How ‘bout some water ? Here…
(She hands her a bottle of water.)

MAGDALENE
(looking curiously at the bottle)
Thank you. It is very hot in here. Are you hot ?

LYDIA
I’m dying over here. I need some air…so Christ shared these moments. You are referring to the Samaritan woman – at the well – revealing himself as Messiah – to a woman, in public, of a different culture.
(She walks over to the window and begins fanning herself.)

MAGDALENE
That was a bold and daring thing to do.

LYDIA
At that point in history, sure it was. And the woman with this issue of blood. Thought unclean. And she was healed in public…and he appeared to you at the Resurrection…

MAGDALENE
There was not a heart more broken than mine…to see how he suffered at the hands of Pilate…to witness the betrayals of so many men in his time of need…God ordained it but it was not easy to witness…I stayed by his side as long as I could…

I watched his mother hold his lifeless body in her arms…the weeping was loud. It hurt my ears. The world had gone dark that day.

LYDIA
Oh my God.

MAGDALENE
And after the anointing in the tomb, there was such silence. Death lay in the air. My beloved had been taken from me. I became numb with grief. My body moved but I felt lifeless. I wanted to die.

(LYDIA takes a liquor bottle from the cabinet, pours a shot in her coffee, and drinks it.)

In those hours when the dimensions seemed one, we prepared his body for proper burial, His mother was so comforting. She had already known the pain of losing her Joseph.

But when I saw that man, I asked him where Jesus was – where has his body been taken ? And when he turned to me, it was my beloved, the Christ, who I saw. He said I was capable of understanding great mysteries. Can you imagine ?

(LYDIA pours another shot into her coffee cup and drinks it.)

He accepted me as his equal. His counterpart. I had never asked for a position of leadership in his circle. But at his resurrection, he bestowed upon me…the inheritance of his truth. He had resurrected…and I was the messenger.

A woman delivering this message ? This was a radical request.

(The phone rings. LYDIA is speaking with her boys. She is reassuring them she is fine and to have fun. She hangs up the phone.)

LYDIA
The kids. My older boy. Thought I sounded funny. Don’t think he’s ever seen me drink before. Do I sound drunk, Mary ?

MAGDALENE
No. not drunk. Maybe a little more relaxed…

LYDIA
(Laughing)
A little more relaxed ! That’s funny. I’m a nervous wreck right now !

MAGDALENE
Why ?

LYDIA
Why ? That’s funny. Today is July 22nd. Hot as hell out there. Hot as hell in here. I was planning a mental health day today but –

MAGDALENE
A mental health day ?

LYDIA
Yes, a mental health day ! A day off from the world. Time for myself…time to take a bath, maybe a walk in the park, an afternoon nap. Find a good book. Instead I’m getting a major history lesson My blood pressure must be sky high.

(LYDIA pours herself another drink.)
Want some ? How ‘bout wine ? I think I have some red wine in the cabinet. It was a gift from someone. Forgot who. It’s been in here awhile but – they say a good wine gets better with time. Want some ?

MAGDALENE
Yes. I’d like to wash my face, too.

LYDIA
Bathroom’s that way. Towels are in the linen cabinet. Whatever you need, please.

(MAGDALENE exits. LYDIA goes over to “The Last Supper” by the sink and stares. She walks back, turns, and stares again. She reaches for her Bible, and opens it on the table. She gets up, looks out the window. Magdalene re-enters.)

MAGDALENE
What’s wrong, Lydia ? Should I be leaving ?

LYDIA
God no. I’m just angry, Mary. I’m mad. How could I miss all this ? How could I read all these books my whole life and miss this stuff ? Where did your story go ?

MAGDALENE
(Sipping her wine)
In the early days…after Jesus taught them…it was wonderful. We…women…we weren’t excluded. We weren’t stopped from participating. Maybe in the old, traditional religions but not in the new one. We were valued, included. Jesus and me – we were…our story… it was fresh in the minds and hearts of people. It was embraced.

We developed out of the old forms of worship – Goddess and God. Isis and Osiris. The Sacred Marriage. The bridegroom and his bride. They were not just about physical passion. It was spiritual and emotional. It is what we were intended to be.
LYDIA
What happened ?

MAGDALENE
Somewhere along the line, somewhere through the centuries, the passion was lost. There was pressure to return to patriarchal values.

They saw our role as shameful. Imagine that ? We were a disgrace to them. So they said. For no reason other than their traditions and their fears said so.

LYDIA
That’s disgusting ! How awful.

MAGDALENE
Yes, but true. By the third century, men and women were being segregated in churches. By the fourth century, the idea of the celibate male was emerging. And we know men are not celibate by their nature…and in 1073, Pope Gregory VII issued a decree forbidding priests to marry. Any idea why ?

Can you imagine what dramatic changes women experienced when Christianity was made the imperial religion in the fourth century ? All the trappings of the imperial court bestowed upon the official religion. Including the attack on women. And their spiritual roles.

And then came the Middle Ages. Many voices silenced. History records the suffering.

LYDIA
(She walks up to her kitchen table and overturns it. She stands there, staring at the table.)

Suffering…all this suffering. Such a waste of time. Why ? Why do we suffer ? Feel so depressed and confused ? So alone ? Why do we try so hard to make things right for our families ? Always putting ourselves on the back burner. Raise the children. Feed the children. Clothe the children. Bathe the children. Teach the children. Love the children.

Where was MY love ? Where was MY nurturing ? Where was my Mary Magdalene to teach me the truth ? I have gray hair. I have wrinkles and lines, aches and pains. From all of the stress. My duties and responsibilities have worn me out. Mary, I’m lost.

I’m like a robot. Get up the same time every day. Same routine. Day after day. Week after week. Months turn into years, Mary. I forget who I am. I cry out to my God, but I can barely hear his voice anymore.

MAGDALENE
Don’t blame that one on God.

LYDIA
I don’t. Believe me, I don’t. I take responsibility for it. But how much more responsibility can I handle ? Don’t you get it ? There’s no room left to hear his voice. There’s no time left to hear his voice. This world doesn’t support it. They don’t pay attention.

MAGDALENE
But you do.

LYDIA
I do…but where do I find this spirit ? In church ? I have problems with church - even before this conversation. I feel guilty there. In church. I’m divorced, remember ? I feel like I should feel guilty about that. That’s my background. It stinks, yah. But it’s there. I’m workin’ on it. But it’s still there.

I see my kids payin’ the price. And that breaks my heart.

Payin’ the price for my stupid decision. Married a loser. An alcoholic. Addicted to his own misery. And I’m a loser, too. That’s what my father always told me. No matter how hard I tried, he always reminded me. Loser !

And my mother, she sat in silence. She knew he was wrong. Loser ! But she was silent. Allowed it. Loser ! Ignored it. Failure ! Don’t waste my time ! You’re such a loser !

(LYDIA falls to her knees. MAGDALENE slowly walks over to comfort her.)

MAGDALENE
Oh, Lydia –

LYDIA
I’m not a child ! I’m not. I have gray hair, and lines on my forehead. Wrinkles under my eyes. I bend down and I groan. I have arthritis, for God’s sake, Mary. I’m falling apart.

MAGDALENE
Lydia -

LYDIA
I can’t get this upset anymore. Can’t handle it. My blood pressure’s too high. That’s what my doctor says.

MAGDALENE
You can handle this. If it leads you to a better place.

LYDIA
(Composes herself)
No. no I can’t. Can’t get this upset. And I won’t. Been through this with therapy, Mary. Enough’s enough. Been there, done that.

All these years, reading and reading. What have I learned ? Facts and dates and places. Escaped…that’s what I did…ran away. Far away. So far away I don’t even know who I am anymore.

MAGDALENE
(Touching LYDIA’S chin, lifting up her head)
Open your heart, Lydia.

LYDIA
How ? How do I open my heart ? I’m afraid…

MAGDALENE
Of what ?

LYDIA
Of everything.

MAGDALENE
You’re safe in this house…you’re safe here, Lydia. Relax. Your face is as red as a beet !

(MAGDALENE stands and sits up on the kitchen counter.)
Relax, please. Calm down. I didn’t come here – on your mental health day – to kill you.

LYDIA
(Sitting back and slowly managing a few deep breaths, then a laugh)
What a relief ! I feel relieved, I really do. In some strange way…who knew this was comin’ ?
(MAGDALENE smiles.)

Well, of course YOU knew. They called you the woman who knew all, didn’t they ?

MAGDALENE
Among other things…many other things.

(MAGDALENE and LYDIA turn the table upright and fix up the kitchen. LYDIA finds the trinket that MAGDALENE had found in the kitchen earlier.)

LYDIA
Oh my God ! Where did this come from ? I’ve been looking for this - for years !
MAGDALENE
What is it ?

LYDIA
I lost this a long time ago. It was a gift, from someone I knew…a gift I was given such a long time ago. Oh my God.

MAGDALENE
What ? The way it shines. It’s made of gold ? Let me see it.

(Examining it closer)
It is him, my beloved. His face. Here…right here. How odd.

LYDIA
A lot of people wear these, Mary.

MAGDALENE
Oh. I see.
(Linking the chain around Lydia’s neck)
But…today…on your mental health day, you find an old gift.

LYDIA
I thought I lost it for good. Can you believe it ?

MAGDALENE
Yes, I can.

LYDIA
Duh.

MAGDALENE
(Going into the bathroom, she comes out with a hairbrush
and starts combing LYDIA’S hair at the table)
It’s time for you to use your voice, Lydia.

LYDIA
My voice ?

MAGDALENE
Yes. Your voice. The one which is your gift.

LYDIA
My gift ?

History robbed us of YOUR voice, Magdalene. You were there and you were gone. Nowhere in the Bible were you actually named a prostitute, were you ? Jesus chose you as the first witness to the resurrection. He told you to be the messenger. And you were.

But they doubted you. And they became embarrassed, angry, afraid. So they denigrated your name, and made you a whore. They said your passion was sinful but allowed you to repent. How gracious of them.

We have been robbed of your story. Your history. Your passion has been removed. And it was hidden away. So deep we could not even dig into our ancestral roots and find you.

I’ve read these things in my books. Secretly, quietly. And boy have I struggled with the possibilities.

MAGDALENE
Well, then…today you have learned something new, Lydia.

LYDIA
I’ll say.

MAGDALENE
You have now been taught a history lesson with your heart. Of Magdalene. And her mind.

LYDIA
Today I realized your heart and your soul. Maybe that’s the difference.

But this whole healing thing…it takes forever. For me, anyway. It’s gonna take time. You had him…you had your beloved – ooh, I like that…so much. You had him to teach you. I have his history…and I’ll deal with that. But I still have some questions.

MAGDALENE
More questions ?

LYDIA
(Turning to MAGDALENE)
Yes ma’am. I believe I have one question left.

(Walking back towards the sink)
If you were at the Last Supper, as I believe you were, and if you were sitting next to Jesus, and if you were the woman who was his beloved disciple, as I believe you were –
MAGDALENE
Go on –

LYDIA
This is a tough one. Mary, were you and Jesus married – were you husband and wife ?

MAGDALENE
Ahhh…you save the most provocative question for last.

LYDIA
I’m not trying to be provocative.

MAGDALENE
But it is, by its nature, provocative. Isn’t it ? But why ? It would have made no sense for Jesus and I not to be married in the time in which we lived. Historically speaking. You know that. Jewish customs being what they were.

LYDIA
Exactly. Certainly in the Nag Hammadi texts…despite your missing pages…the gospels from Egypt…1945…there are excerpts that mention you being his intimate companion. And that he loved you more than the others. Maybe he loved you in a different way, Magdalene ?

MAGDALENE
I was a reflection of him. He accepted me as his equal. The masculine and the feminine, as part and counterpart. Together as one. A sacred union.

LYDIA
What exactly does that mean ?

MAGDALENE
I’m sorry, Lydia, but you’re out of questions.

LYDIA
You’re kidding me.

MAGDALENE
Do I look like I’m kidding ?
LYDIA
(In disbelief)
You’re not going to answer my last question ?

MAGDALENE
I did answer it.

LYDIA
No you didn’t.

MAGDALENE
Yes I did.

LYDIA
Well, I didn’t understand your answer.

MAGDALENE
You will. In time.

LYDIA
When ?

MAGDALENE
When the time comes, you’ll know it.

LYDIA
Oh, I’ll know ? My mind…it’ll just know ?

MAGDALENE
Your heart will know. And then maybe you’ll call out my name again.

LYDIA
And if I do ?

MAGDALENE
I will come.

LYDIA
You will ? Promise me you will. I’ll have questions for you.

MAGDALENE
You have my word. But it will only happen at the right time, Lydia. You must be patient. All things worth having are worth waiting for.

LYDIA
I have waited this long.

MAGDALENE
And your patience will be rewarded.

LYDIA
(Touching her fingertips)
It already has, Mary. To have this visit with you - this is reward enough.

MAGDALENE
Lydia…
(Holding Lydia’s hands)
To help you remember….

LYDIA
Oh my God. What have you done to my hands ? Mary ?

MAGDALENE
To help you remember…you’re the poet among us. You’re the leading authority, the one who comprehends. Put the pieces together. As only you can. That is your gift, Lydia.

LYDIA
My gift ? My voice, I’m not sure…what you mean. What do you mean ?

MAGDALENE
(Smiling)
Lydia, The time has come…for me to leave….I need to be going. I have one last stop.

LYDIA
Where ?

MAGDALENE
Oh…it’s a visit that’s long overdue. Centuries old you might say.

LYDIA
If it’s been THAT long, can’t it WAIT ? The boys won’t be home tonight.

(Begins swaying left and right, moving freely)
We could have so much fun tonight. Stay up and talk, laugh ‘til our stomachs hurt. I have so many theories I’d like to run by you…what is my voice, Mary ? I like to sing but I’m not very good at it. Can’t be that.
(Now bending her knees)
What’s happening to me ?
(Turning to MAGDALENE)
I wish you didn’t have to go. Can’t you stay ? I’d really like a little more information on “my voice”.

MAGDALENE
No, Lydia.
It would be nice to stay, but I have somewhere else… I… really… must go.
(MAGDALENE turns away.)

LYDIA
Then…just stay for dinner, okay ? Our last supper, Mary. Before you go. How’s that ?

I’ll make you a good meal. Don’t want you to leave my house hungry. Okay ? Whatever you want, please…please stay. For dinner.

MAGDALENE
What ?

LYDIA
(Walking towards MAGDALENE)
Did you hear me, Mary ?

(MAGDALENE turns and looks out the window.
Lights slowly fade.)