Van der Meij recognizes himself in Mary Magdalene: “I chose the spiritual path”

In most passion Kim-Lian van der Meij was briefly regarded as Mary Magdalene, but the new rise of passion He even plays the leading role of KRO-NCRV. In a conversation with NU.nl, the actress says that she recognizes herself in her character in different ways. “I did spiritual awakening long,” says Van der Meij.

IPassion It was just my character introduction and then I sang a song. only during rise of passion Van der Meij says that Mary Magdalene really shines.

The concept is the same: the story is told through scenes, well-known songs and a narrator. Not only live event is added to this. “You can think of it as a mini-musical element.”

around the announcement most rise of passions Critical voices were heard. Is it necessary, just a moment passion shortly after the other show? Van der Meij thinks there is a need. “If you want Passion you will love it too. I also think a lot of people wonder what the story behind it is. Almost everyone is free on this day, but many people don’t know why. These people can learn what Ascension means and why we really celebrate it.”

Van der Meij, who was not raised as a Christian himself, was not familiar with the story of the Ascension and Mary Magdalene. “That’s why I immediately started researching the character of Mary Magdalene. Over the centuries, many different stories have arisen about him, not all of them positive. At the time, he was a loving person, but rather difficult and mysterious. .woman.sticks self-damaging bad labels. Yet Mary Magdalene has always remained true to her own feelings, which makes you admire such a strong woman more especially in this time.

Christianity would be different without Mary Magdalene

“This is a good example: you should not judge someone too quickly and continue to believe in yourself if you feel underestimated,” continues Van der Meij.

“Mary was a key figure in the resurrection of Jesus. He said to her: If I die, I will rise again after three days. After her crucifixion, everyone lost faith and was in grief and despair, but Mary Magdalene was constantly confident. She continued to convince others that she spoke and saw Jesus and that although Jesus was not physically present, she continued to preach her message. Mary Magdalene also encountered much resistance from her disciples. t, Christianity could have been very different.

From left to right: Soy Kroon (Jesus), Noortje Herlaar (Maria) and Van der Meij as Mary Magdalene.

“I have learned to accept this uncertainty”

Van der Meij can understand the inner struggle of his character well. He talks about this in one of his solo songs: Crying but smiling of the moon.

“Marie-Madeleine was determined, but also struggles there was. She doubted herself and didn’t know if she could convince people because she already has the image of a confused, psychologically troubled woman. This lack of trust is recognizable; Sometimes I doubt who I am and what I believe in,” says Van der Meij.

“But it also lies in the fact that you cannot explain things with your mind. I too have been on this spiritual path for the past few years, working on how we are connected to a higher power.”

Van der Meij is therefore not necessarily religious, but spiritual awakening by means of. “I have never refused to believe in Jesus, but I have struggled with the institutional aspect of the church and the Bible. “I feel more connected to the energy of the universe and you can call it God,” she says.

“I think trust in a higher power comes especially when a foundation in your life is gone. In my case it was our immigration to Sweden with the family. As cool as it is, you always leave your homeland. and you start something new. I didn’t have a fixed TV contract that I could stand and I didn’t have close friends or family around me. Everything that was certain was gone. How do you deal with it?”

“I found that it doesn’t matter where you are and what the external factors are, as long as your base is balanced inside,” the actress said. “I have learned to accept this uncertainty in Swedish nature and to trust the unknown blindly. Great things have happened to me since then and I know you don’t need security to create security.”

rise of passion It will be broadcast on NPO1 on Thursday, May 26 at 8.30 pm on KRO-NCRV.