1. The only thing I will say on last night’s election…
Regardless of who you voted for, regardless of who you wanted to win, you are loved. Our country will change over the next few years, as it was always destined to change. Our country is constantly growing and evolving, and it will continue to grow and evolve. Regardless if you are excited or disappointed, we all have the same task: We have to care for one another, love one another, and protect one another. Once the dust is settled and emotions are calmed, please remember that.
You belong here. You are cared for.

2. Introduction to Medieval Theatre
You’ve learned about Greece, now what happens next?

3. From Greece to Rome Roman Empire: 27BC – 476AD
Byzantine Empire: 395 – 1453 AD
Roman culture copied a lot of Greek culture
Art
Religion
Theatre
Roman Theatre:
Wrote tragedies and comedies
No tragedies survived until today
All surviving comedies are based on Greek stories
A little more crude than Greek theatre

6. Roman reliance on Stock Characters
Young, rich, love sick hero
Strict father
Braggart soldier (annoying jock)
Clever slaves

7. Popularity of Theatre’s decline
Theatre in Rome was not as popular or as important as in Greece. Romans preferred a different form of entertainment:

8. FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! Gladiatorial matches Chariot races
Executions that were…uhm…extreme.

9. Fall of Rome
A lot of reasons lead to the fall of Rome. (Invasions from Barbarians, political and economic instability, etc.)
As the empire went into decline, a certain small cult started to gain popularity. Gained legal status, and eventually became the primary religion in Rome.
What was that cult?
Christianity

10. Medieval Europe (Middle Ages)
About 500AD – 1500AD
European rejection of Roman traditions and beliefs
Lead to a dark period for science and technology IN EUROPE
This rejection included Theatre
Islamic golden age – 700AD to 1700AD
Algebra
Calculus
Scientific method

11. New beginnings of Theatre
Hrosvitha ( )
Wrote 6 plays modeled after roman comedies. Rewrote “questionable” parts.
First known plays composed by a woman in Western drama

12. Church starts to use theatre to educate
Morality Plays
Pageant Plays