Mystery plays

Definition

Mystery plays are a form of medieval drama that focuses on biblical stories and events, often depicting the lives of saints and the mysteries of faith. These plays were performed by laypeople, usually during religious festivals, and played a significant role in the development of theatre as a communal and participatory art form in medieval society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mystery plays emerged in the 10th century and became widely popular by the 14th century, particularly in England and France.
2. They were typically performed on pageant wagons or stages set up in public spaces, making them accessible to a wide audience.
3. The performances were often organized by guilds, with different groups responsible for specific biblical scenes, fostering a sense of community involvement.
4. Mystery plays were characterized by their use of vernacular language, allowing audiences who were not fluent in Latin to engage with the stories.
5. Many surviving mystery plays, such as the York Mystery Plays and the Wakefield Cycle, provide valuable insight into medieval beliefs, culture, and social issues.

Review Questions

• How did mystery plays reflect the social and religious dynamics of medieval society?
  • Mystery plays reflected the social and religious dynamics of medieval society by engaging local communities in the performance of biblical narratives that reinforced their faith. These plays were performed by laypeople, often organized by guilds, which fostered a sense of communal identity and participation in religious life. Additionally, they utilized vernacular language, making them accessible to broader audiences who may not have been literate or familiar with Latin liturgy.
• What are some key differences between mystery plays and liturgical drama?
  • Mystery plays differ from liturgical drama in several ways. While liturgical drama was closely tied to church services and conducted primarily by clergy within sacred spaces, mystery plays expanded into public venues and involved lay performers. Mystery plays also focused on a broader range of biblical stories beyond liturgical texts, incorporating more elaborate narratives that covered significant events from both the Old and New Testaments. This shift allowed for greater creativity and community involvement in storytelling.
• Evaluate the impact of mystery plays on the development of secular drama during the Renaissance period.
  • Mystery plays had a significant impact on the development of secular drama during the Renaissance as they introduced new narrative forms, staging techniques, and performance practices that influenced later playwrights. The popularity of these religious dramas demonstrated a growing interest in theatrical expression among the general populace, paving the way for more secular themes and characters in subsequent works. As societal views evolved towards humanism, elements from mystery plays began to blend with emerging secular dramas, leading to richer storytelling that reflected contemporary life and concerns.

Related terms

Cycle dramas: A series of mystery plays presented in sequence, often covering the entire biblical narrative from Creation to Judgment Day.

Liturgical drama: Theatrical performances that were directly connected to the liturgy of the Church, often serving as precursors to mystery plays.

Morality plays: Allegorical dramas that teach moral lessons and represent the struggle between good and evil, evolving alongside mystery plays during the late medieval period.