Writer/performer Elena Mazzon presents an unusual piece of theatre in The Popess: Instructions for Freedom, directed by Colin Watkeys at The Carbon Lounge as part of PBH’s Free Fringe.
The sincerity and passion of Mazzon is beyond question
The upstairs room is relaxed and intimate with seating on built-in sofas against the walls with soft backless stools scattered in front of them. Mazzon weaves her way through the confined space to begin her often complex address.
It’s Italy in the 13th century. Guglielma of Bohemia is preaching a feminised, apocalyptic version of Christianity which foretells her own resurrection as the incarnation of the Holy Spirit. Following her death around 1280 her burial site becomes a shrine. Her followers elect the nun, Maifreda da Pirovano as their leader, a female pope who celebrates the mass over Guglielma’s tomb.
The Inquisition charges many of the Guglielmites with heresy. Guglielma’s bones are disinterred and burned, while three of her devotees, including Maifreda, are sent to the stake.
Bringing the story of these two obscure women to light reminds us that feminism is far from being a modern cause. Women have strugglged throughout the ages and men, particularly in the form of the male-dominated Church, have always strived to suppress them.
In a room full of strangers some might find it uncomfortable to be asked, “What are you looking for in faith or religion?” in an assumptive tone that suggests you subscribe to that view of life. Similarly being asked in an open forum, “Who or what would you die for?” tends to provoke a struggle to come up with the most worthy cause or closest person to you: “My sister”; “World peace”.
This could be something of a Marmite show, but the sincerity and passion of Mazzon is beyond question.
