The Evolution of Liturgical Drama: from Miracle Play to Judgement House
The Evolution of Liturgical Drama
From Miracle Play to Judgement House
Thea 623
Development of Theatre 1
Amanda Bowman Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20) This New Testament passage, often referred to as the ‘Great Commission’, urges all Christians to evangelize and share the message of Jesus Christ with others. Of course, such a task is most vital to religious leaders, priests and pastors – those professional theologians that strive to communicate the gospel in a powerful and influential way. Besides the quotation of scripture, the sermons, the hymns and the rituals, the church has long utilized the liturgical drama as a means of communication and celebration. Beginning with the simple ‘miracle plays’ in the early Middle Ages, this type of religious theatre became gradually more elaborate and lengthy until it’s peak around the time of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Although the church’s use of liturgical drama declined after this point, moral and religious themes continued to be popular in the arts. It is ironic that, in the very secular world of the late 20th century, fundamentalist Christian groups revived the tradition of evangelizing through drama – whether through play, movie, or television program. The recent development of ‘Hell Houses’ or ‘Judgment Houses’ is a particularly vivid example of such evangelism. Around the 10th century, as Europe was leaving the stark poverty and cultural suppression of the Dark Ages behind, religious monasteries began slowly adding theatrical presentations to church services. What happened in the monasteries gradually began to spread to the universities and eventually to the general public – at least those in the cities. These presentations primarily
From Miracle Play to Judgement House
Thea 623
Development of Theatre 1
Amanda Bowman Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20) This New Testament passage, often referred to as the ‘Great Commission’, urges all Christians to evangelize and share the message of Jesus Christ with others. Of course, such a task is most vital to religious leaders, priests and pastors – those professional theologians that strive to communicate the gospel in a powerful and influential way. Besides the quotation of scripture, the sermons, the hymns and the rituals, the church has long utilized the liturgical drama as a means of communication and celebration. Beginning with the simple ‘miracle plays’ in the early Middle Ages, this type of religious theatre became gradually more elaborate and lengthy until it’s peak around the time of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Although the church’s use of liturgical drama declined after this point, moral and religious themes continued to be popular in the arts. It is ironic that, in the very secular world of the late 20th century, fundamentalist Christian groups revived the tradition of evangelizing through drama – whether through play, movie, or television program. The recent development of ‘Hell Houses’ or ‘Judgment Houses’ is a particularly vivid example of such evangelism. Around the 10th century, as Europe was leaving the stark poverty and cultural suppression of the Dark Ages behind, religious monasteries began slowly adding theatrical presentations to church services. What happened in the monasteries gradually began to spread to the universities and eventually to the general public – at least those in the cities. These presentations primarily
Cited: Bertrin, Georges, and Arthur F.J. Remy. "Miracle Plays and Mysteries." The Catholic Encyclopedia. Vol. 10. New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1911. 6 Dec. 2011 . Hartman, Greg. "A Hell of a Ride." Plain Truth Online. Nov. 2003. Web. . Hell House. Abundant Life Christian Center. "Halloween Hell Houses." Religious Tolerance. Web. . The Holy Bible: New International Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1984. Potter, Robert A. The English Morality Play: Origins, History, and Influence of a Dramatic Tradition. London: Routledge & K. Paul, 1975. Sandell, Scott. "The Horns of a Dilemma: A Morality Play Gets a Hollywood Makeover, the Author Takes a Look, Theological Debate Ensues." Los Angeles Times 2 Sept. 2004.