Medieval Theatre

Plays that were based on books of the Bible were called Miracle Plays

Mystery plays were often performed in a series called a cycle

Cycles were always short

Costumes were modern to the time

The purpose of plays was to inform the audience about biblical stories

By the 12th century, dramas had moved outside

The three major types of plays that were developed were Mystery Plays, Miracle Plays and Mischief Plays

Sets always portrayed Heaven and Hell

Most authors were well known

Pageant Wagons had three levels

Special effects, such as flying, fire and water were used

Mystery plays stressed realistic acting, sets or costumes

Medieval Drama peaked in the 13th century

Church services were held in Latin, which none of the congregation could understand

The Fall of the Roman Empire was in 475 AD

Most texts from this time have survived and are available today

Sets were very large and elaborate

Audiences consisted mostly or royal and rich people

The church slowly began dramatizing the Bible as a way to give religious instruction

The plays contained stylized character and action

As plays became more popular, they were more secular with many contemporary references

In order for plays to connect, they had to speak the language of the audience

A majority of the actors were professional

Mystery plays were always serious

Mystery plays were performed on wagons that moved from place to place as the audience stood in one spot