Why are there so many Marys in the Bible?

In this episode of Q with Tom Power, playwright Erin Shields discusses her new play, *Mary, Mary, Mary, Mary*, which centers on four women in the Bible named Mary—Mary, the mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and John, and Mary of Bethany. Shields explores the historical and cultural significance of these women, questioning why so many are named Mary and how their individual stories have been overshadowed by collective narratives. She reflects on the marginalization of women in religious texts, the mythologizing of Mary Magdalene as a prostitute (a misrepresentation stemming from a 6th-century sermon), and the emotional weight of motherhood in the crucifixion narrative. The play also delves into themes of identity, agency, and the untold lives of women in foundational stories, drawing parallels to her other works like *Medusa* and *Paradise Lost*. Shields emphasizes the importance of reimagining forgotten voices, especially women and non-binary figures, to challenge dominant narratives and invite empathy across gender lines.