Medieval Theater Traditions
Overview
- Focus: Medieval theater traditions in Europe, specifically continental Europe and England, between 980-1500 AD.
- Importance: Transition period from classical ancient Greek and Roman theater to Renaissance theater.
Medieval Society
- Roman Catholic Church: Dominated society, amassed wealth, and held political power; popes often had more power than kings.
- Kings often sought the favor of the Pope.
- Education: Limited; primarily accessible to clergy (monks and nuns). No widespread public education.
- Public Health: Poor; plagues were common. Life expectancy was low.
- Class Structure: Predominantly peasants and nobility. Small but growing merchant/artisan class.
- Feudal System: Local lords provided protection.
Theater in Medieval Society
- Purpose: Used by the Church to teach scripture and moral behavior to uneducated masses.
- Types of Medieval Theater:
- Liturgical Drama
- Performed inside churches, chanted in Latin.
- Included Mystery and Miracle Plays (Old Testament and New Testament stories, saints' lives).
- Vernacular Religious Drama
- Performed outdoors, in local languages (vernacular).
- Often performed on wagons that traveled between towns.
- Sponsored by town trade guilds and depicted Bible stories.
- Morality Plays
- Allegorical tales performed indoors or outdoors.
- Sponsored by wealthy patrons or political leaders.
- Examples include the play Everyman.
Characteristics of Medieval Theater
- Actors: Mostly amateur townspeople; a playmaster/director was hired.
- Special Effects: Known as “secrets,” included trap doors, fire effects, and flying rigs.
- Dramatic Structure: Episodic/Epic, breaking the classical unities of time, place, and action.
Notable Figures and Trivia
- Hrosvitha of Gandersheim: First known female playwright, a German nun who adapted Roman comedies into Christian themes.
- Roma People (Gypsies): Key in preserving theatrical traditions through traveling performances.
Significance for Future Generations
- The experiences and influences from medieval theater informed the works of Shakespeare and his contemporaries.
- Resources: The lecture provided links to videos showcasing York Mystery Plays and a contemporary production of Everyman.
Next Steps
- Move on to Shakespeare and Elizabethan England in the next unit.
- A video will be provided to guide through the first writing assignment.
Note: Links to resources will be available in the study module.