MYSTERY PLAYS Meaning and
Definition
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Mystery plays are a specific genre of theatre productions that emerged during the medieval period. These plays were typically performed in Europe between the 10th and 16th centuries and were staged outdoors, often on large wagons or platforms that could be moved around to different locations. Mystery plays were religious in nature and aimed to educate and entertain audiences by depicting biblical stories, particularly focusing on significant events from the Old and New Testaments.
The term "mystery" in this context refers to the Latin word "misterium," meaning "occupation" or "craft," which became associated with secret rituals and religious ceremonies. Mystery plays were performed by guilds, which were associations of artisans or tradespeople, and each guild was responsible for presenting a particular story or episode from the Bible. These plays were usually performed during religious festivals or special occasions, such as Corpus Christi or Easter, and attracted large crowds.
Mystery plays often featured a combination of biblical characters, allegorical figures, and comedic elements to engage the audience. They were performed in the vernacular language of the region, allowing the plays to be understood by the common people. The performances incorporated elements of music, dance, spectacle, and sometimes even elaborate set designs. Mystery plays served as a means of instructing and reinforcing religious beliefs among the illiterate population, as well as fostering a sense of community and shared religious identity.
Today, mystery plays are considered an important cultural and historical form of theatrical expression, representing a significant era in the development of drama and public performances. They have influenced subsequent forms of theatre, such as morality plays and Renaissance theatre, and continue to be studied and revived in modern theatrical productions.
Etymology of MYSTERY PLAYS
The word "mystery" in the term "mystery plays" comes from the Middle English "mysterie", which is derived from the Old French "misterie", meaning "trade" or "occupation". This French word traces its origins back to the Latin "misterium", which also means "trade" or "craft", but eventually came to encompass the concept of secret or sacred knowledge.
In the context of "mystery plays", the term refers to a form of medieval drama that originated in the 10th century. These plays were religious in nature, depicting stories from the Bible, particularly focusing on the mysteries of the Christian faith, such as the nativity, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The term "mystery plays" emerged because the craft guilds or trade associations were primarily responsible for organizing and performing these dramas, hence the association with "mystery" as a trade or craft.
