How did the medieval era affect theatre?
The medieval era had a significant impact on the development and evolution of theatre. Here are some ways in which it influenced the theater during that time:
1. Religious Influence: The dominant influence on medieval theater was the Christian church. The church used theatre as a way to educate and spread religious teachings to the illiterate masses. The plays performed in this period, known as Mystery Plays or Miracle Plays, were biblical stories that were performed inside or outside the church during religious festivals. These plays were performed in the local vernacular language and often included elaborate costumes and props.
2. Performance Spaces: Theatrical performances in the medieval era took place in a variety of spaces, including churches, town squares, and courtyards. The plays were performed on temporary stages or scaffolds, with little or no scenery. The audience would gather around the performance area, creating an immersive experience.
3. Pageant Wagons: In many European cities, the Mystery Plays were performed on mobile stages called pageant wagons. These wagons were movable platforms that carried different scenes from the Bible. The wagons would move from one location to another, allowing the audience to watch different episodes of the play.
4. Role of Guilds: Medieval theater was often organized and performed by local trade guilds. Members of the guilds would collaborate to create, rehearse, and perform the plays. These guilds provided a platform for craftsmen and artisans to showcase their skills and entertain the community.
5. The Rise of Morality Plays: In the later medieval period, morality plays gained popularity. These plays depicted moral lessons and allegorical characters representing virtues and vices. Morality plays were performed both by professional actors and amateurs, and they were used to guide and reinforce moral values in society.
Overall, the medieval era influenced theatre by emphasizing religious themes, developing unique performance spaces, incorporating movable stages, and establishing guilds as creative organizations. These elements laid the foundation for the later Renaissance and Elizabethan eras in the evolution of theatre.