Mystery plays

Definition

Mystery plays are a form of medieval drama that dramatize biblical stories and events, often presented as part of religious festivals. These plays were typically performed by local guilds and aimed to convey moral lessons to the audience while reflecting contemporary social issues, making them both educational and entertaining.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mystery plays were commonly performed during religious festivals, particularly around Easter and Christmas, involving local communities in their production.
2. They often featured elaborate costumes and staging, with different guilds responsible for specific scenes or episodes from the Bible.
3. The performances were characterized by their use of vernacular language, making them accessible to a wider audience who may not have understood Latin.
4. Mystery plays served not only as entertainment but also as a means of reinforcing the religious beliefs and moral values of the community.
5. They played a significant role in the transition from purely liturgical drama to more secular forms of theatre that would emerge in the Renaissance.

Review Questions

• How did mystery plays serve as a means of social commentary during the medieval period?
  • Mystery plays often reflected contemporary social issues by integrating local customs and concerns into biblical narratives. By portraying familiar scenarios alongside sacred stories, these plays commented on the moral dilemmas faced by society. The interaction between divine characters and everyday people in these performances allowed audiences to see their own lives through the lens of religious teachings, fostering discussions about morality and ethics.
• What are some characteristics that distinguish mystery plays from other forms of medieval drama like morality plays?
  • Mystery plays primarily focus on biblical narratives and are performed during religious festivals, whereas morality plays use allegorical figures to convey ethical lessons. Mystery plays often involve large community participation through guilds that represent various trades, leading to a diverse portrayal of stories from creation to judgment day. Additionally, while morality plays typically address individual moral choices, mystery plays encompass broader theological themes and communal values.
• Evaluate the impact of mystery plays on the evolution of theatrical practices leading into the Renaissance period.
  • Mystery plays significantly influenced the evolution of theatrical practices by introducing more complex storytelling and character development into performances. Their use of vernacular language made theatre accessible and relatable to broader audiences, paving the way for secular themes in later Renaissance drama. The shift from communal religious performances to more individualized storytelling marked a crucial transition, inspiring playwrights like Shakespeare and contributing to the rich diversity of Renaissance literature and performance arts.

Related terms

Morality Plays: A genre of medieval drama that uses allegorical characters to teach moral lessons, often representing virtues and vices in conflict.

Pageant Wagons: Mobile stages used during performances of mystery plays, allowing for flexibility in location and audience reach during festivals.

Liturgical Drama: Early forms of theatrical presentations that emerged from church services, often leading to the development of mystery plays.