Medieval Theatre

Historical Perspective Not much happened related to theatre in the Dark Ages Not much happened related to theatre in the Dark Ages As Catholicism spread throughout Europe under the Roman Empire, the church started to use theatre to teach people (services were in Latin), and theatre once- again became part of religion As Catholicism spread throughout Europe under the Roman Empire, the church started to use theatre to teach people (services were in Latin), and theatre once- again became part of religion

Liturgical Drama 10 th Century in Germany & France 10 th Century in Germany & France Elaboration of Catholic Mass at Holidays like Easter and Christmas Elaboration of Catholic Mass at Holidays like Easter and Christmas

12 th -15 th Centuries Miracle Plays – religious plays acting out the lives of saints Miracle Plays – religious plays acting out the lives of saints Mystery Plays – Biblical Stories told in the vernacular Mystery Plays – Biblical Stories told in the vernacular Morality Plays – Allegorical Abstractions Morality Plays – Allegorical Abstractions

Locations of Plays (Spaces) 1 st in churches – inside 1 st in churches – inside On Mansion Stages outside churches – Production Guilds ran these On Mansion Stages outside churches – Production Guilds ran these Pageant Wagons – England and France Pageant Wagons – England and France

Construction of the Pageant Wagon

Interludes Non religious serious or comic plays performed during a banquet Non religious serious or comic plays performed during a banquet Associated with the rise of professional actors Associated with the rise of professional actors

Characteristics of Productions Women are more involved in all aspects including performance Women are more involved in all aspects including performance No more masks are used No more masks are used More costumes and make-up More costumes and make-up

People Hrosvitha ( ) Hrosvitha ( ) Mother Superior at a Mother Superior at a German Convent Plays written in rhymed Latin Plays written in rhymed Latin Used to teach students Used to teach students Published in 1501 – very influential on plays done in schools Published in 1501 – very influential on plays done in schools

Titles “Abraham & Isaac” – Mystery Play done on Pageant Wagons “Abraham & Isaac” – Mystery Play done on Pageant Wagons “Everyman” – Morality Play “Everyman” – Morality Play

The End Intro to Theatre Birtcher WNHS