Medieval Theatre From 500 1500 AD Christianity Like

Medieval Theatre From 500 - 1500 AD

Christianity Like the Greeks used theatre to worship Dionysus, Christians introduced theatrical performance to the church and its mostly -illiterate congregation as a means of worship and teaching the gospel.

Language Priests, nuns, and choirboys were the only ones who could perform because all plays were written in Latin. At some point, the plays were translated so that the common man could participate

Acting Companies Groups, not associated with the church, began performing Miracle and Mystery plays. They were quickly shut down by the church. These pioneers represented the first acting companies and were later recognized and patronized by the nobles

Medieval Drama Language • Miracle and Mystery Plays • Passion Play • Mansion • Guilds • Cycle • Morality Play • Masque • Pageant Cart

Comedy was added to make the performance more interesting to the audience. • Noah’s wife was a nag • Tower of Bable was unending comedic dialogue • Audience’s favorite character to make fun of was Satan • Gave viewers a frighteningly enjoyable incentive to be good His assistants adorned horrific masks and popped into the story for no apparent reason. Used acrobatics and farcical miming Became the most prolific symbols of the Medieval period; the Jester

Stage Business Technical devices and special effects were used Trap Doors Cranes that allowed angels to fly Most fascinating was Hell’s Mouth moving jaw, real flames, and smoke bellowing from its bowels it consumed characters who were too evil for Heaven. Took 17 men to operate it

Example of a Cycle Notice that Satan’s assistant is climbing on board

Pageant Cart The acting area is not limited to the stage. Notice the Angels in the “heavens”

Pageant Cart

Example of a cycle When one cart finished their part of the story, it would move on and the next cart would move into its place. This would continue until a story was told completely.

Medieval Plays • The Second Shepherd’s Play • A secular play about a clever scoundrel named Mak who steals a sheep, hides it in a crib, and passes it off as his own son. • Everyman • An Allegorical Morality play in which Everyman is summoned to meet Death, appear before God, and seek salvation. • Characters include; Five Wits, Fellowship, Kindred, Discretion, Beauty, Strength, Knowledge, and Good Deeds