Liturgical Drama - A Thing of the Past?

by Lillian Bills, dramaturg

The original Everyman comes from several hundred years of liturgical (religious) drama in Western Europe. There were several different kinds of liturgical drama that arose during the medieval ages including mystery plays (retellings of bible stories) and morality plays (plays that teach a moral).

Hrotsvitha, a German nun in the 10^th century, is credited with being the oldest medieval playwright. She wrote liturgical comedies which focus on the battle between good and evil, chastity, and martyrs.

Liturgical drama was created not only to entertain audiences, but also to make Bible stories more relatable or to remind audiences to choose good over evil.

Liturgical drama dominated English theater for about 400 years. According to Glynne Wickham, an English Drama scholar, the end of overtly religious drama in England began when Queen Elizabeth 1 banned the Corpus Christi festival in 1557.

Luckily for us, we still have records of the old religious plays and new ones are being produced and written. Religious drama is all around us. Have you ever seen VeggieTales or Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat?

What other examples of religious drama are there?

Has Bible dramatization helped increase your understanding of the teachings of Christ? How?

For a more in-depth look at Medieval Plays in England: http://www.luminarium.org/medlit/medievaldrama.htm

For a fun video about Hrotsvitha: https://www.pbs.org/video/hrotsvitha-hildegard-and-the-nun-who-resurrected-theater-qayhtj/

For some information about the religious tensions during the Elizabethan Era: https://www.hartfordstage.org/stagenotes/hamlet/elizabethan-era/

Bibliography:

Fletcher, Robert H. “Medieval Drama: An Introduction to Middle English Plays.”, April 12, 2012, http://www.luminarium.org/medlit/medievaldrama.htm.

“Hrotsvitha, Hildegard, and the Nun Who Resurrected Theater.” , directed by Stan Muller. , produced by John Green, and Hank Green. , performance by Michael Rugnetta. , PBS Digital Studios, 2018.

Wickham, Glynne. Early English Stages 1300-1660. vol. 3, Columbia University Press, 1981.

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by Jessa Cunningham, dramaturg After the show wrapped up and people went their separate ways, Garret Rushforth, who played Wilbur, and I chatted and I asked him some questions about his experience with the play. What better way to gain insight about the show than from the actor who was in the thick of things from the very beginning? Here is what Garret had to say about this unique opportunity: Me: How was this experience of playing Wilbur? What was your Favorite aspect of it all? Garret: I loved playing Wilbur. My favorite aspect was discovering the character more and more each performance. I never really felt that I had learned all that the character had to offer. Me: What were some challenges that you faced while preparing for the show? Garret: A few of the challenges that I faced had to do primarily with transportation. My car tried to die a couple of times during the run. As far as developing the show goes, I found that the difficulties were mostly in finding the lines. Not simply reciting them, but discovering what was beneath them, motivating them and making them come to life. Me: What lessons have you learned from playing this part, or just from the play in general? Garret: I've learned that there is an amazing opportunity to find out about yourself from the character discovery process. I also learned how much a family the cast can become if given the opportunity. Me: What is your favorite part of this story? Garret: I love when Wilbur and Charlotte talk about Charlotte's death and Wilbur is so devastated. It showed how deep Wilbur's reliance on Charlotte was as well as his desire to help her too. Me: As you leave this production, what will stay with you? Garret: The friendships I've made and the things that I've learned about myself because of the show. Me: What aspects of your character did you love/latch onto from the beginning? Garret: I latched onto the loneliness aspect of Wilbur's life. For all his life, he'd not been given much of a chance, Fern and Charlotte being the exceptions. He was written off by nearly everyone until Charlotte pointed out how special he is. Me: Any final thoughts you would like to share with those who came to the show? Garret: Charlotte's a web was a show that offered a unique view of friendship and family. It doesn't matter what someone looks like or where they're from, friendship and family can transcend all differences.

Liturgical Drama - A Thing of the Past?

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