Medieval Theatre (900-1500)

"Hrosvitha" performed

935

"Hrosvitha" was a play written by the first female dramatist recorded to existence. Many of her plays are based on religion. Brockett 87

"Pafnutius", "Dulcitius", "Gallicanus", "Abraham", "Callimachus", "Sapientia"

963

These are plays also written by the writer of "Hrosvitha". It is unknown if they were able to be performed during her lifetime. Brockett 87

"Quem Quaeritis"

970

This play, is the earliest known example of a liturgical play. These were typically performed for Easter services, it is a very short play consisting of 4 lines. Brockett 86

Religious plays performed outside the church

1200

Religious plays were typically only performed in private inside the church. Around 1200, religious plays are seen publicly for the first time. They seemed to be a major theatrical expression for Western Europe, often called vernacular religious drama. Brockett 86

Corpus Christi

1311

This new feast day, also known as "Body of Christ", was used to engage ordinary people into its activities. It was officially approved in 1311. All biblical events were related to this event and became the occasion for dramas involving religious and biblical time periods. Brockett 88

Corpus Christi observed by Europe

1350

The "Body of Christ" feast day is observed by the people of Europe in 1350. This celebrates the resurrection and redemption of Christ. Many dramas and plays were performed, from the Creation to the Last Judgment and other events such as the Birth of Christ.

Religious Drama is independent

1375

Religious dramas separate from liturgy. These plays were performed throughout most of wester Europe clear through the sixteenth century. That died out when controversy developed over religious views and beliefs eradicating these types of plays almost everywhere. Brockett 86

Morality plays flourish

1400

These dramatic plays are based on moral temptations that influence all human beings. These plays treated the spiritual trials of ordinary people. The protagonist commonly succumbed to the temptation before them but eventually brought to the path of righteousness by Faith or the Grace of God. Brockett 97

"Noah and His Sons"

1425

This play consists of biblical passages from Genesis in the Bible. 29 plays were performed before the end of the day, following "Noah and His Sons". Spectators were able to view the performers at close range and many different angles. Brockett 97

"Pierre Patelin"

1470

One of the best examples of comic secular drama. These plays were very entertaining and comical to the audiences. This play is loosely joined to another with clever knaves and comic twists throughout. Brockett 97-98

"Everyman"

1500

This becomes the most famous morality play. This play shows how "Everyman" understands his relationship of his earthly life to salvation. He has lived a carefree life without thinking of the repercussions of death. When he needs a friend to join him on his journey, they all decline once his final destination is revealed. Brockett 87

Works Cited

Jul 11, 2021

Brockett, Oscar, Robert Ball, John Fleming, & Andrew Carlson. The Essential Theatre. Cengage Learning (2017).