Theory Lesson 5

Medieval Theatre Overview

• Fall of Western Roman Empire 
• 5th Century AD - 15th Century AD (1000 years)
• Mystery, Morality and Medieval 
• Originated from Christian Church 
• Playlets were extended and additional scenes were added 
• Other forms of art were inspired by this staging 
• Diving narrative into scenes/stages
• Set like a "street" 
• Stage right = heaven 
• Stage left = hell 

Mystery Play:

• "The York Cycle"
• Stories came from old testament 
• Birth -> Death 
• Dramatises life 
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD0nF8oluCg
• Pinocchio could be a modern version of "Jonah and the Whale"
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Miracle Plays:

• Built around lives of saint 
• Some not biblical 
• Great narratives 
• Challenging to produce/perform 

Morality Plays:

• Average man 
• Battle between good and evil 
• "Everyman"