Medieval Theatre (900-1500)

Hrosvitha

935

Hrosvitha was the first female dramatist. She had written several plays, including, "Pafnutius," "Dulcitius," "Gallicanus," "Abraham," "Callimachus," and "Sapientia," according to (Brockett et. al). It is said that her plays were all written between 963 and 973. Most of her plays dealt with characters martyred for their Christian faith and also dealt with young women who would potentially overcome temptations of the flesh. None of Hrosvitha's dramas were actually published until 1501.

"Quem Quareritis"

970

"Quem Quareritis" translates to "Whom are you Seeking?" According to the "Encyclopedia of Medieval Literature," this three-line trope was first used at the beginning of opening services of Mass for Easter during the early 10th century. Our book for this class, "The Essential Theatre," states, that "Quem Quareritis" "dramatized the arrival of three women at the tomb of Christ, the announcement by an angel that Christ has risen, and the subsequent rejoicing" (Brockett et. al.).

Dramas Inside the Church

1200

During the 1200s, most plays were still being performed inside the church as part of the liturgy. Most were still written and performed in Latin, as that was the language of the Church. According to "Medieval Theatre," written by the "Northern Virginia Community College," there were two main stages that dramas took place. These were called the "Mansions," which were small scenic structures to indicate location, and "Platea" which is the general acting area (Eric W. Trumbull).

"Le Miracle de Théophile"

1245

"Le Miracle de Théophile" was a religious drama written by Rutebeuf in the year 1245. According to "Britannica," this drama tells the story of a priest who sells his soul to the devil and is saved by the Virgin.

The Three Categories of Medieval Dramas

1400

According to the source, "Medieval Europe," there are three main categories of dramas known as "Mystery," "The Miracle," and "Morality." Mystery plays were stories taken from the Bible and acted out, the Miracle plays were about the life or actions of a Saint, and the Morality plays were designed to teach people a lesson in how to live their life according to the rules of the church (Medieval Europe).

"The Castle of Perseverance"

1405

"The Castle of Perseverance" is classified as a morality play that was published in 1405, according to Klausner, the author of "The Castle of Perseverance: Introduction." Klausner also shares that these "plays deal allegorically with the life of man and his struggle against sin, and their structure is for the most part based on a sequence of temptation, fall, and redemption."

"The Second Shepherd's Play"

1450

"The Second Shepherd's Play" was a famous medieval play that was first released in the manuscript of the Wakefield Cycle around 1450. The author of this play is unknown as it was published anonymously. According to "Encyclopedia," "Authorship of The Second Shepherds' Play is unknown, and the play is simply attributed to the Wakefield Master, whose real identity was also unknown, although a local cleric or monk was probably the author."

"Everyman"

1495

"Everyman" was produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company. According to Brockett, "Everyman" was "directed by Kathryn Hunter and Marcello Magni," (Brockett et. al). It was first published in England in the early sixteenth century. According to "Encyclopedia," "this English play is now thought to be based on an early Dutch play, "Elckerlijc," published in 1495."

Pieta

1498

"Pieta" was sculpted by Michelangelo in 1498. According to, "Analysis of the Art of Renaissance Italy," " The scene of the Pieta shows the Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Christ after his crucifixion, death, and removal from the cross, but before he was placed in the tomb." It goes on to say, "This is one of the key events from the life of the Virgin, known as the Seven Sorrows of Mary, which were the subject of Catholic devotional prayers."

Gil Vicente

1502

Gil Vincente was a famous chief dramatist of Portugal during the early 1500s. According to "Britannica," "His first known work was produced June 7, 1502, on the occasion of the birth of the future John III." This was a short play titled, "Monológo del vaquero" Meaning, "The Herdsman’s Monologue," which was presented in Castilian in the apartment of Queen Maria. Vincente then went on to release several other famous works before his death in 1536.