1. Theatre in the High Middle Ages
French priests moved their performances outside on platforms and spoke in common tongue
Mystere d’Adam
Introduction of wicked devils (weren’t allowed IN churches)
This was the beginning of “Mystery Plays” and “Miracle Plays”
Mystery Plays-Plays about Biblical stories
Miracle Plays-Plays about Saints
In other places priest would hold a procession on Corpus Christi day to include as many people as possible
Churchmen, nobles, merchants, craftsmen, etc

2. Theatre in the High Middle Ages
These combined into cycle plays which included procession and performance
Cycle plays-a collection of plays dealing with all the major events in the Christian calendar
Wakefield Cycles – one of four surviving play cycles
A collection of 32 mystery plays
Performed during Corpus Christi day
Performed in Wakefield, England until 1576
Includes “The Second Sheppard's Play”
York Cycles
Chester Cycles
Unknown

3. Theatre in the High Middle Ages
A = Machine Loft
Like fly space
B = Tiring Area
Like backstage
C = Mansions
Place where scenery was
D = Acting Area
Bare acting space
E = Pageant Curtain
Used to cover wheels
PAGEANT CART

4. Theatre in the High Middle Ages
Pictures of Pageant Wagons

5. Theatre in the High Middle Ages
Possible Pageant Wagon Setup
Hellmouth
Heaven
Machine Loft
Earth

6. Theatre in the High Middle Ages
Noted Plays
Ordo Virtutum by Hildegarde of Bingen (1151 CE)
This play is about the struggle for a human soul (Anima). The Virtues and the Devil vie for the soul. The human soul stresses it wants to skip life and go straight to heaven. Instead, the Devil tricks the human soul. Eventually, the soul comes back, repentant, and the Devil is bound.