Medieval/Middle Ages Theatre

By: Maria Larsen

What?● The time period in theatre history I am researching is in the 10th

century ● The major characteristic of this time period consist of Lords

governing many of the peasants. ● Music and Art were extremely important in the Middle Ages. ● People were able to sing with or without instruments. ● Nobles played games consisting of: chess, checkers and dice. ● Peasants also played outdoor sports such as hockey, stick ball

and soccer● Towns or manors often had festivals including jesters, who were

like clowns in a circus● Tournaments matched knights in jourist and fights.● Sports with few rules were also played.● Sound effects were instruments that were placed to enhance

the storytelling.● Actors wore church clothing or clothing to resemble characters

in the bible.

Where?● Performances were primarily held in

churches, but also monasteries

Where?● Performances were primarily held in churches in

churches, than later on progressed out of churches, many plays were held out in the open.

When?

● 5th to 15th century● Started with the collapse of the Roman Empire.● Performances were mainly held in Churches, and

monasteries ● Festivals

Who?● Performers consisted of Storytellers, Jesters and Jugglers● Everyone watched the plays, from the peasants to

royalties. ● Directors handled large groups of Actors, managed money,

did design techniques, but also addressed audience before and after a play.

● Actors normally wore religious clothing and Women wore handkerchiefs to distinguish themselves from the men.

● Important Authors are Hrosvitha who wrote “A Benedictine” Nun” and John Bale who wrote “English Churchmen”

Why?● Performances were created to help depict a story from the

bible, important biblical events were staged dramatization. ● These performances were created to teach morals to the

audience who watched these plays. ● Certain actors, costumes, and scenery was used to create

a dramatization of a bible story.● Theatre stopped after this time period because of a

change of interest, popular culture, theatre changed. Establishment of playhouse signified the death of theatre in the Middle Age.

How?● Plays became less common in the 11th century

after the constant invasions of vikings. Very few were played across Europe, especially in Spain.

● Plays were watched outside the church instead of inside.

Bibliography:● http://www.medievalists.net● www.thefinertimes.com● www.cwu.edu● www.medierval-faire.com● www.papermasters.com● www.imbd.com● ajourneyacrosstime2.wordpress.com● http://www.slideshare.net/NongNiea/medieval-drama-17527581● http://www.cwu.edu/● http://www.britannica.com/● http://westernreservepublicmedia.org/● www.google.com