Interlude

Definition

An interlude is a brief performance or dramatic piece that serves as a break or transition within a larger theatrical work. It emerged as a form of entertainment in the late medieval period, often blending music, dance, and dialogue, and marked the shift towards secular drama by focusing on themes beyond religious narratives.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Interludes were popular in England during the late 15th and early 16th centuries and were often performed at court and public festivals.
2. They frequently incorporated elements of comedy and satire, allowing them to appeal to a wider audience beyond religious congregations.
3. The emergence of interludes played a significant role in the development of English Renaissance theatre, paving the way for later playwrights like Shakespeare.
4. Unlike morality plays that had a didactic purpose, interludes were primarily created for entertainment, reflecting the growing interest in secular themes.
5. Interludes often featured common characters from everyday life, making them relatable to audiences and helping to bridge the gap between elite and popular forms of theatre.

Review Questions

• How did interludes differ from traditional morality plays in terms of content and purpose?
  • Interludes differed from morality plays primarily in their content and purpose. While morality plays focused on teaching moral lessons through allegorical characters and themes of good versus evil, interludes were designed mainly for entertainment. They included elements of comedy and satire that appealed to broader audiences and explored secular themes rather than relying solely on religious narratives.
• In what ways did interludes contribute to the emergence of secular drama during the late medieval period?
  • Interludes significantly contributed to the emergence of secular drama by introducing themes that moved away from religious storytelling. Their focus on everyday life, humor, and relatable characters allowed playwrights to experiment with new forms of expression that reflected contemporary society. This shift laid the groundwork for the flourishing of secular theatre in the Renaissance, influencing playwrights who followed and leading to more complex narratives in later works.
• Evaluate the impact of interludes on the development of English theatre and how they influenced later dramatic forms.
  • Interludes had a lasting impact on the development of English theatre by establishing a foundation for secular performances that resonated with a diverse audience. Their incorporation of humor, relatable characters, and contemporary issues helped shape theatrical conventions that would be further developed by later playwrights. This laid the groundwork for more sophisticated forms such as Shakespearean plays, which integrated elements from interludes while expanding on their thematic depth and character complexity, thus marking a significant evolution in English drama.

Related terms

Morality Play: A genre of medieval drama that uses allegorical characters to teach moral lessons, often highlighting the battle between good and evil.

Secular Drama: Theatrical works that focus on non-religious themes, exploring human experiences, emotions, and societal issues rather than biblical stories.

Masque: A form of festive courtly entertainment that involved music, dancing, and elaborate staging, popular during the Renaissance and often featuring mythological themes.