Mystery plays

Definition

Mystery plays are a form of medieval drama that depict biblical stories and religious themes, often performed during religious festivals. These plays were typically staged by local guilds and illustrated events from both the Old and New Testaments, providing an accessible way for the largely illiterate population to engage with scripture. They played a crucial role in the development of theatre, laying the groundwork for later dramatic traditions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mystery plays originated in the 10th century and became particularly popular in England during the 14th and 15th centuries.
2. These plays were often performed as part of a cycle, with multiple episodes presented by different guilds, each focusing on specific events from the Christian narrative.
3. The language of mystery plays evolved from Latin to Middle English, making them more relatable to common people.
4. Mystery plays served not only as entertainment but also as a means of religious instruction, helping audiences understand their faith through dramatization.
5. The decline of mystery plays began with the rise of secular theatre during the Renaissance, which shifted focus away from religious themes.

Review Questions

• How did mystery plays contribute to the understanding of biblical stories among medieval audiences?
  • Mystery plays made biblical stories accessible to a largely illiterate population by dramatizing key events from scripture. Performed during religious festivals by local guilds, these plays illustrated complex theological concepts in an engaging manner. By using familiar language and settings, they allowed audiences to connect personally with their faith and understand its teachings through performance.
• In what ways did mystery plays differ from other forms of medieval drama, such as miracle and morality plays?
  • Mystery plays specifically focus on biblical narratives, while miracle plays highlight the lives and miracles of saints. Morality plays, on the other hand, use allegorical characters to convey moral lessons rather than direct religious narratives. Each genre serves a different purpose: mystery plays educate about scripture, miracle plays celebrate sainthood, and morality plays teach ethical behavior.
• Evaluate the impact of mystery plays on the evolution of drama and their significance in the cultural context of medieval society.
  • Mystery plays were pivotal in shaping the evolution of drama by establishing theatrical conventions that would influence later forms of performance. They provided a platform for community involvement through local guilds, fostering a sense of collective identity around shared beliefs. As cultural expressions of faith, mystery plays reflected and reinforced societal values in medieval life, while their eventual decline marked a shift towards secular themes in theatre during the Renaissance.

Related terms

Miracle plays: A type of medieval drama that focuses on the lives and miracles of saints, distinct from mystery plays which center on biblical narratives.

Morality plays: A genre of medieval drama that uses allegorical characters to teach moral lessons, often contrasting good and evil.

Pageant wagons: Mobile staging platforms used during performances of mystery plays, allowing scenes to be presented in different locations during a festival.