Notes on the Evolution of Drama (11th - 15th Century)

Literacy in the 11th and 12th Centuries

• Most English commoners were illiterate.
• Clergy created plays based on Bible stories to educate the public.

Types of Plays

• Mystery Plays:

  • Revealed the mysteries of God's word.
  • Based on Bible stories.

• Miracle Plays:

  • Focused on the lives of saints.

Performance Settings

• Initially performed on the steps outside cathedrals.
• Due to popularity, moved to town squares.

Pageants

• Movable carts used for performances, resembling large boxes on wheels.
• Two stories tall:
  • Bottom story: Costumes, props, dressing room.
  • Top platform: Stage for performances.
• Spectators gathered at various locations to watch a cycle of plays from Genesis to Revelation.

Guild Involvement (13th Century)

• Different guilds responsible for acting out specific parts of the cycle, reflecting their professions:
  • Carpenter's Guild: Noah's Ark.
  • Baker's Guild: The Last Supper.
• Plays began to deviate from original Bible stories.

Emergence of Morality Plays

• By the late 14th century, morality plays evolved:
  • Characters represented virtues (Faith, Truth, Charity) and vices (Falsehood, Covetousness, Devil).
  • Allegorical battles for the soul.
• Audience interaction became common:
  • Throwing food, scuffles with spectators.
  • The devil character would engage with the crowd.
• Irony: Morality plays encouraged vices, contrary to their intended message.

Church Response (Mid-15th Century)

• Church began to outlaw performances.
• Town charters mandated theaters to be built outside city walls.
• One of the first theaters resembled larger pageants with tiers of seating around a grassy area.

Legacy and Influence

• Young William Shakespeare developed his craft in these theaters, notably The Globe.
• Medieval morality plays influenced Renaissance playwrights, focusing on internal struggles and conscience.
• This evolution marked the emergence of drama as a literary art form.