Corpus christi drama. Drama 2023-01-03

Corpus Christi drama, also known as Corpus Christi plays or mystery plays, are a type of religious theater that originated in medieval Europe. These plays were performed as part of the celebrations of the Feast of Corpus Christi, a Christian holiday honoring the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The plays were typically presented in Latin and were performed by members of the clergy or lay people in the churchyard or in a public square.

The Corpus Christi plays were a popular form of entertainment in the Middle Ages and were often a source of education for the general population, as they depicted biblical stories and religious themes. The plays were typically divided into separate "pageants," or scenes, which depicted different stories from the Bible. These pageants were often accompanied by music, processions, and other ceremonial elements.

One of the most famous Corpus Christi plays is the "Second Shepherd's Play," a medieval English play that tells the story of three shepherds who try to outwit the Devil in order to keep their sheep. The play is notable for its use of humorous and colloquial language, as well as its depiction of the Devil as a cunning and manipulative character.

Corpus Christi plays were not without controversy, however. Some people believed that they were too frivolous and distractive, and that they took away from the solemnity of the church. In fact, the plays were eventually banned in some parts of Europe, and their popularity waned as the Renaissance and the Reformation brought about new forms of theater and entertainment.

Today, Corpus Christi plays are still performed in some parts of the world, particularly in Europe. They are a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and religious history of the Middle Ages and continue to be a source of inspiration for contemporary theater and drama.