🎭History of Theatre I Unit 7 – Morality Plays to Secular Drama

Origins of Morality Plays

• Emerged in the late Middle Ages as a form of religious instruction and entertainment
• Developed from liturgical dramas and mystery plays performed in churches
• Aimed to teach Christian morals and virtues to a largely illiterate population
• Sponsored by the Catholic Church as a means of reinforcing religious doctrine
• Performed by traveling troupes of actors, often on makeshift stages in town squares or marketplaces
• Utilized allegorical characters to represent abstract concepts such as virtues and vices
• Incorporated elements of folk traditions, such as the use of vernacular language and comedic interludes

Key Characteristics of Morality Plays

• Allegorical characters personify abstract concepts (Good Deeds, Knowledge, Vice)
• Protagonist represents the common man, often named Everyman or Mankind
• Plot centers around the protagonist's spiritual journey and struggle between good and evil
• Didactic in nature, aiming to teach moral lessons and encourage virtuous behavior
• Minimal set and props, relying on symbolic representations and the audience's imagination
• Incorporation of music, dance, and spectacle to engage the audience
• Conclusion often depicts the protagonist's judgment before God and the consequences of their actions

Famous Morality Play Examples

• "Everyman" (c. 1510) explores the protagonist's quest for salvation and the importance of good deeds
  • Considered one of the most well-known and influential morality plays
  • Showcases the allegorical characters and their roles in guiding Everyman's spiritual journey
• "The Castle of Perseverance" (c. 1425) depicts the battle between good and evil for the soul of Mankind
  • One of the longest surviving morality plays, consisting of over 3,500 lines
  • Features an elaborate stage design with multiple levels representing heaven, earth, and hell
• "Mankind" (c. 1470) focuses on the temptations and struggles of the titular character
  • Incorporates comedic elements and bawdy humor to engage the audience
  • Highlights the importance of resisting temptation and seeking forgiveness

Transition to Secular Drama

• Gradual shift from religious themes to more secular subject matter in the late 15th and early 16th centuries
• Emergence of humanist ideas during the Renaissance, emphasizing the value of individual experience and worldly concerns
• Increasing popularity of classical Greek and Roman literature, which inspired new dramatic forms and themes
• Growing interest in exploring the complexities of human nature and relationships
• Development of professional acting troupes and the establishment of permanent theater spaces
• Patronage of the arts by wealthy individuals and the royal court, supporting the growth of secular drama

Early Forms of Secular Theatre

• Interludes: short, comedic plays performed between the acts of longer religious dramas or during banquets
  • Often satirical in nature, poking fun at social norms and authority figures
  • Example: "The Four PP" by John Heywood (c. 1543)
• Masques: elaborate court entertainments that combined music, dance, and allegorical characters
  • Performed by and for the aristocracy, showcasing their wealth and status
  • Example: "The Masque of Blackness" by Ben Jonson (1605)
• History plays: dramatized accounts of historical events and figures, often with a patriotic or propagandistic purpose
  • Helped to shape national identity and promote political agendas
  • Example: "Edward II" by Christopher Marlowe (c. 1592)

Influential Playwrights and Works

• Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593): known for his innovative use of blank verse and complex protagonists
  • "Doctor Faustus" (c. 1592) explores the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of making a deal with the devil
  • "The Jew of Malta" (c. 1589) showcases Marlowe's skill in creating morally ambiguous characters and addressing controversial themes
• William Shakespeare (1564-1616): widely regarded as the greatest English playwright, known for his mastery of language, characterization, and themes
  • "Hamlet" (c. 1600) delves into the complexities of the human psyche and the nature of revenge
  • "King Lear" (c. 1606) explores the consequences of pride, betrayal, and the struggle for power within a family
• Ben Jonson (1572-1637): celebrated for his satirical comedies and masques
  • "Volpone" (1606) satirizes greed and corruption in Venetian society
  • "The Alchemist" (1610) pokes fun at the gullibility of those seeking easy wealth and the charlatans who exploit them

Societal Impact and Reception

• Secular drama reflected and shaped the values, concerns, and aspirations of Renaissance society
• Plays served as a form of entertainment, social commentary, and political critique
• Theater became a popular pastime for people from all walks of life, from the aristocracy to the working class
• Playwrights and actors gained fame and patronage, elevating the status of the theater profession
• Controversies arose over the moral and social impact of the theater, with some religious authorities condemning it as a source of vice and corruption
• The theater industry contributed to the growth of urban centers and the development of a commercial entertainment culture

Legacy and Modern Interpretations

• The works of Renaissance playwrights continue to be performed and adapted for modern audiences
• Shakespeare's plays, in particular, have been translated into numerous languages and have inspired countless interpretations and reimaginings
• Modern productions often seek to highlight the timeless themes and universal human experiences found in these works
• Innovative staging techniques, such as minimalist sets or unconventional casting choices, help to make these plays relevant and accessible to contemporary audiences
• The influence of Renaissance drama can be seen in the works of later playwrights, from the Restoration period to the present day
• Scholars continue to study and analyze these plays, shedding new light on their historical context, literary merit, and enduring significance