English literature and the origin of the theatre
English literature originated in 650 AD and greatly developed into different forms and genres.
In the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries the English theatre was born and developed: its origin was linked to religious celebrations especially those commemorating great Christian events.
In this time these performances took place in the nave of the church, but later they also moved to other places. This change marked the replacement of Latin with English and consequently people took the place of monks and priests in these performances.
The Medieval Drama was characterized by three different forms: the first and the most important was “the Miracle play”. It was staged by members of the trade guilds and was mainly performed on movable stage wagons, that were known as pageants: They were open on all sides and the actors performed some stories from the Bible, about the creation of Adam to the Resurrection of Christ and the Last Judgement. They acted in English. The pageants used to stop in different parts of the city and people listened to the stories with great interest and emotional involvement.
The second important form of theatrical composition is “the Morality play”, which was the new development in drama based on the personifications of human vices and virtues and not about the Bible. They represented the first step towards psychological stories set in a contemporary environment. Everyman was the most important example of Morality play.
In the late 15th century the “Interlude” developed: this new form of composition was based on a short story, usually performed by a small acting company at a lord’s house. It was characterized by a combination of serious and comic elements: Disguise was one of the main features together with the dramatic character, whose purpose was to a arouse laughter by means of witty word games.
English literature originated in 650 AD and greatly developed into different forms and genres.
In the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries the English theatre was born and developed: its origin was linked to religious celebrations especially those commemorating great Christian events.
In this time these performances took place in the nave of the church, but later they also moved to other places. This change marked the replacement of Latin with English and consequently people took the place of monks and priests in these performances.
The Medieval Drama was characterized by three different forms: the first and the most important was “the Miracle play”. It was staged by members of the trade guilds and was mainly performed on movable stage wagons, that were known as pageants: They were open on all sides and the actors performed some stories from the Bible, about the creation of Adam to the Resurrection of Christ and the Last Judgement. They acted in English. The pageants used to stop in different parts of the city and people listened to the stories with great interest and emotional involvement.
The second important form of theatrical composition is “the Morality play”, which was the new development in drama based on the personifications of human vices and virtues and not about the Bible. They represented the first step towards psychological stories set in a contemporary environment. Everyman was the most important example of Morality play.
In the late 15th century the “Interlude” developed: this new form of composition was based on a short story, usually performed by a small acting company at a lord’s house. It was characterized by a combination of serious and comic elements: Disguise was one of the main features together with the dramatic character, whose purpose was to a arouse laughter by means of witty word games.
Greta Perini
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