Medieval Theatre Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What are the dates for Medieval Theatre?

500 A.D.- 1500 A.D.

What type of performers were there in the Early Middle Ages?

storytellers, jesters, tumblers, and jugglers.

Why did the Church ban theatre?

the Church thought theater was barbaric and pagan.

Who are the playwrights from the Roman Period?

For tragedy, it was Seneca; for comedy, it was Terence and Plautus. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of Roman Spectacle?

Gladiatorial Combats and Naval Battles in a flooded coliseum. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Church revive Theatre?

They needed a way to teach people who couldn't read. Signup and view all the answers

What are the other ways the Church tried to teach parishioners?

Cathedrals, stained glass windows, sculpture, painting, and drama. Signup and view all the answers

What are the '3M's' of Medieval plays?

Mystery plays- Based on Biblical stories; Miracle plays- Based on lives of saints; Morality plays- Allegories. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Passion play?

Based on the last week in the life of Christ. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Troupe?

short dramatized scenes added to the Catholic Mass. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Cycle?

A series of short plays based on religious history. Signup and view all the answers

What does Allegory mean?

a symbolic narrative; the representation of abstract ideas by characters. Signup and view all the answers

What is a pageant wagon?

used to travel a set route at several locations: like a parade. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Mansion in Medieval Theatre?

a series of stages would be set up around the town square, anchored at either end by heaven and hell. Signup and view all the answers

What are guilds?

groups of tradesmen whose trade was responsible for part of a story from the Bible which when combined made a cycle. Signup and view all the answers

What is Everyman an example of?

it represents everyone. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the main character in medieval morality plays?

Everyman. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main theme in medieval morality plays?

it teaches a lesson to the audience. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Medieval Theatre Overview

Medieval Theatre existed from 500 A.D. to 1500 A.D.
Performers in the Early Middle Ages included storytellers, jesters, tumblers, and jugglers.

Church and Theatre

The Church initially banned theatre, considering it barbaric and pagan.
Theatre was revived by the Church as a means to educate the illiterate population.

Methods of Education

The Church utilized cathedrals, stained glass windows, sculptures, paintings, and drama to teach parishioners.

Types of Medieval Plays

Three main types of plays known as the "3M's":
- Mystery plays: Based on Biblical stories.
- Miracle plays: Focused on the lives of saints.
- Morality plays: Serve as allegories reflecting moral lessons.

Specific Play Types

Passion play: Centers on the last week of Christ's life.
Troupe: Short dramatized scenes incorporated into the Catholic Mass.
Cycle: A series of interconnected short plays depicting various religious historical events.

Key Concepts and Terms

Allegory: A symbolic narrative that represents abstract ideas through characters.
Pageant wagon: A mobile stage used to present plays at different locations, similar to a parade.
Mansion in Medieval Theatre: A setup of stages arranged around a town square, with heaven and hell at either end, featuring elaborate special effects like floods and fiery pits.

Guilds and Competition

Guilds: Groups of tradesmen responsible for depicting a portion of a Biblical story which, when combined, formed a cycle. Guilds competed to create the most elaborate productions.

Notable Figures and Themes

Everyman: Represents every individual and is the main character in morality plays, imparting moral lessons to the audience.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the fascinating world of Medieval Theatre, which spanned from 500 A.D. to 1500 A.D. This quiz delves into the types of plays, the Church's role in theatre, and the educational methods used during this period. Learn about the mystery, miracle, and morality plays that shaped early drama.