Ritual and Drama: The Mediaeval Theatre

by Francis Edwards

Overview

In Ritual and Drama: The Mediaeval Theatre, Francis Edwards reveals that ritual forms the basis of all popular theatrical entertainment, the root from which dramatic art has grown. Covering the period from the tenth to the fifteenth centuries, Edwards focusses on the audience impact rather than the artistic qualities of the mediaeval plays, devoting much of his attention to the emotional effect of religious and dramatic ritual on the spectator. Illuminating the impact of Christian rituals, liturgy, and stories, Edwards draws illustrative parallels between mediaeval and modern states of mind. Ritual and Drama describes the growth of the dramatic idea, the styles of presentation of the mystery cycles, and the evolution of the morality play, presenting in straightforward terms a theme fundamental to our understanding of mediaeval dramatic art.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780718897888
Publisher:	The Lutterworth Press
Publication date:	09/26/2024
Pages:	138
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 1.25(h) x 9.00(d)

About the Author

Francis Edwards was best known for his experimental work in the field of mediaeval theatre and drama, and for founding the Surrey Community Players in 1947, which produced a series of Towneley Plays in 1952.

Table of Contents

Preface Chapter 1 Ritual and the Theatre Chapter 2 The Theatre of the Early Church Chapter 3 The Growth of the Dramatic Idea Chapter 4 The Spirit of Irreverence Chaper 5 The Theatre of the People Part I The Transition from Latin to the Common Tongue Part II The Miracle Plays Chapter 6 Religion and the Stage Glossary of Terms Book List