Theatre History (Medieval Theatre)

Acting and production qualities of Medieval times were mostly realistic and authentic.

In fixed staging, these scaffolds were set-up, outdoors in available spaces.

Plays that covered the lives of saints (both historical and legendary) were called:

These plays covered story of creation through doomsday. Took days, sometimes weeks to perform.

Plays that covered events in the life of Christ (The Second Shepherd’s Play, Noah) were called:

She was a German nun who was considered to be the first female and post-Roman playwright.

Medieval theatre staging used:

Sometimes cities hire these professionals for leading parts and to upgrade the level of acting.

Educational plays that tell stories about the struggle for salvation:

The labor/religious organizations that often produced religious plays in the town.

Except religious women (i.e. nuns) generally only men were allowed to act in medieval times.

In movable staging, these moved on a route; plays were performed in order, like parade floats.

Men who worked special effects on these dramas were called:

Outdoor religious plays in medieval times never had a fee, allowing any type of audience.

Liturgical dramas chanted and sung in Latin in monasteries and cathedrals by church members.