Wakefield Mystery Plays

Definition

The Wakefield Mystery Plays are a collection of 32 medieval plays that were originally performed in the town of Wakefield, England, during the late 14th to early 15th centuries. These plays depict biblical stories and are notable for their use of local dialect, blending humor with serious themes, and exploring the relationship between humanity and divinity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Wakefield Mystery Plays are part of the larger tradition of mystery plays that were performed by local guilds during religious festivals.
2. These plays utilize a distinctive mixture of comedy and serious themes, which helps to engage the audience while conveying moral and religious lessons.
3. The Wakefield manuscript is one of the key surviving texts of medieval drama, providing insight into the performance style and societal context of its time.
4. Several notable plays from the collection include 'The Creation,' 'Noah's Flood,' and 'The Last Judgment,' showcasing a wide range of biblical events.
5. The plays are written in a local Yorkshire dialect, making them accessible to the common people of the time and emphasizing their regional character.

Review Questions

• How do the Wakefield Mystery Plays differ from other medieval mystery plays in terms of structure and themes?
  • The Wakefield Mystery Plays stand out due to their unique blend of humor and serious moral themes, which is not as prevalent in other mystery plays. They feature a cycle format that covers various biblical narratives, while employing local dialect to resonate with audiences. This combination creates a distinctive theatrical experience that emphasizes both entertainment and religious instruction, making them particularly engaging compared to other more solemn portrayals.
• Discuss the cultural significance of the Wakefield Mystery Plays in relation to the community that produced them.
  • The Wakefield Mystery Plays hold cultural significance as they were a means for the local guilds to express their religious beliefs and communal identity through performance. By involving local citizens in staging these plays, they fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose. The humor intertwined with serious themes allowed audiences to relate to biblical stories on a personal level, reinforcing community bonds and making religious teachings more accessible.
• Evaluate how the Wakefield Mystery Plays reflect the social and religious dynamics of medieval England, particularly in terms of audience engagement.
  • The Wakefield Mystery Plays reflect the social and religious dynamics of medieval England by showcasing the interplay between faith and everyday life. The use of local dialect and humor made these biblical narratives relatable, enhancing audience engagement. By depicting familiar social scenarios alongside divine themes, these plays facilitated discussions about morality and faith within the community. This engagement illustrates how theatrical performances served not just as entertainment but also as a means of reinforcing social values and communal identity during a time when religious observance was central to daily life.

Related terms

Mystery Plays: Dramatic performances that illustrate biblical narratives, commonly staged during religious festivals in medieval Europe.

Cycle: A series of related plays performed together, typically covering the entirety of biblical history from Creation to Judgment Day.

York Mystery Plays: Another significant cycle of mystery plays from York, which shares similarities with the Wakefield Mystery Plays in style and content.