Theatre History: Medieval Era

a small, non-moving platform stage representing a specific location in the Bible plays
stage structures used in medieval theatre to represent specific locations, such as Heaven or Hell
actors would move between these mansions as the play demanded

classification of people into groups based on socio-economical condition

consisted of nobility, clergy, and peasants

plays of the Medieval period that were performed for pure entertainment
popular during 10th-15th century

a festival and holiday celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
occurred three days after his crucifixion by Romans at Calvary
the feast day that marked the introduction of drama into church rituals

one of the three principle kinds of vernacular drama of the European Middle Ages
presents a real or fictitious account of the life, miracles, or martyrdom of a saint
evolved from liturgical offices developed during the 10th/11th century to enhance calendar festivals
surviving plays include the Virgin Mary & St. Nicholas

presented Bible dramas in England
professional association, trade union, cartel, and a secret society
arrived after Norman Conquest

the centuries of the great Bible series in Europe at the height of their popularity

form of procession traditionally associated with both secular and religious rituals and had a narrative structure
celebration of Corpus Christi

48 mystery plays
sacred history from the creation to the Last Judgement
first celebrating during Corpus Christi 1376
made from York Craft Guilds

32 mystery plays based on the Bible, most likely performed around the Feast of Corpus Christi during late Middle Ages
approximate first date is around 1377 AD
multiple roles were played by the same people during the show and it is possible the show was put on by the same cast every year