Liturgical Drama (redirected from Religious drama)

liturgical drama

Play acted in or near the church in the Middle Ages. The form probably dated from the 10th century, when the “Quem quaeritis” (“Whom do you seek”) section of the Easter mass was performed as a small scene in the service. The plays gradually increased in length, with themes derived from biblical stories (particularly those of Easter and Christmas), and they flourished in the 12th–13th centuries. Their Latin dialogue was frequently chanted to simple melodies. They continued to be written into the 16th century, but the connection with the church eventually ended as the plays came under secular sponsorship and were acted in the vernacular. See also miracle play; morality play; mystery play.

---

Liturgical Drama 

a form of medieval, basically Western European, religious presentation (ninth to 13th centuries).

The liturgical drama was part of the Easter or Christmas church service (liturgy), consisting of the staging of separate episodes from the Gospel. Gradually, the liturgical drama was penetrated by realistic, everyday elements. The spectator aspect of the presentation was strengthened, and the variety of subjects was broadened. Scenes from the Old Testament and tales of saints and martyrs were included. Starting in 1210, the liturgical drama was performed in the parvis in front of the church. Both the clergy and laymen participated in the drama, as well as the goliards and tregetours, who were given roles of traders, butchers, devils, and so forth. The most significant work was the “Mystery Play About Adam” (mid-12th century).

REFERENCE

Istorila zapadnoevropeiskogo teatra, vol. 1. Moscow, 1956.