Download Medieval Theatre - Westerville City Schools

Medieval Theatre
900-1500
Historical Perspective
Not much happened related to theatre in
the Dark Ages
 As Catholicism spread throughout Europe
under the Roman Empire, the church
started to use theatre to teach people
(services were in Latin), and theatre onceagain became part of religion

Liturgical Drama
10th Century in Germany & France
 Elaboration of Catholic Mass at Holidays
like Easter and Christmas

12th-15th Centuries

Miracle Plays – religious plays acting out
the lives of saints

Mystery Plays – Biblical Stories told in the
vernacular

Morality Plays – Allegorical Abstractions
Locations of Plays (Spaces)
 1st
in churches – inside
 On Mansion Stages outside churches –
Production Guilds ran these
 Pageant Wagons – England and France
Construction of the
Pageant Wagon
Interludes
Non religious serious or comic plays
performed during a banquet
 Associated with the rise of professional
actors

Characteristics of Productions
Women are more involved in all aspects
including performance
 No more masks are used
 More costumes and make-up

People
Hrosvitha (935-975)
 Mother Superior at a

German Convent
Plays written in rhymed Latin
 Used to teach students
 Published in 1501 – very influential on
plays done in schools

Titles
“Abraham & Isaac” – Mystery Play done
on Pageant Wagons
 “Everyman” – Morality Play

The End
Intro to Theatre
Birtcher
WNHS - 2014