The stage musical ‘Mary’ returned to the Eko Hotels theatre this weekend with a bold interpretation of the biblical story, blending music, drama and artificial intelligence to present the mother of Jesus through a more personal and relatable lens.
The production, which premiered on Saturday and continued on Sunday as part of Eko Hotels’ July theatre season, shifts attention beyond the Nativity to explore Mary’s life, her emotional struggles, unwavering faith and the sacrifices that shaped her journey before and after her divine calling.
Instead of portraying Mary solely as a biblical figure, the musical presented her as a woman confronted by fear, uncertainty and difficult choices, allowing audiences to connect with her humanity as much as her spirituality.
A standout feature of the production is its unique portrayal of Joseph through two contrasting characters.
One symbolises loyalty and unwavering support, while the other represents temptation and doubt, creating a dramatic reflection of the emotional and spiritual conflicts surrounding Mary’s mission.
The production also embraces modern technology by incorporating artificial intelligence into its storytelling, adding a fresh creative dimension to the theatrical experience.
Creative Director, Ice Nweke, said the idea was inspired by the desire to imagine aspects of Mary’s life that were never documented in biblical accounts.
According to him, the creative team developed an original backstory that explores her childhood, family life and personal experiences, giving audiences a deeper understanding of the woman behind the revered figure.
Nweke explained that the goal was to make the characters more relatable, allowing viewers to see parts of themselves in Mary’s resilience and Joseph’s struggles.
He noted that the production intentionally balances Mary’s humanity with her faith, emphasising that belief and purpose remain central themes that resonate with contemporary audiences.
The director said his approach to biblical storytelling focuses on uncovering untold perspectives rather than repeating familiar narratives, making ancient stories meaningful to modern viewers.
Nweke also revealed that the casting process was rigorous, with multiple rounds of auditions and callbacks held to ensure each actor fully embodied their role and strengthened the emotional connection between the characters and the audience.
