The mediaeval stage, volume 1 (of 2)

Name: The mediaeval stage, volume 1 (of 2)
Author: E. K. Chambers

By E. K. Chambers

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

History - British History - Medieval/Middle Ages Plays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

The study traces the development of theatrical performance in the Middle Ages, beginning with the decline of classical theatre and the rise of itinerant minstrels who preserved performative forms. It surveys village festivals and seasonal customs—including sword-dances, mummers’ plays, May and New Year rites, and the Feast of Fools—that reflect communal mimetic instincts. It shows how liturgical enactments were adapted into miracle-plays, moralities, and guild pageants, and then follows the social and literary changes that produced professional interludes and a humanist-influenced stage. Substantial appendices assemble documentary, musical, and archival evidence to support the arguments.

About the Author

E. K. Chambers

E. K. Chambers was a prominent scholar and author known for his extensive work on the history of English drama. His most notable contribution is the multi-volume series "The Elizabethan Stage," which provides a comprehensive examination of theatrical practices and the cultural context of the Elizabethan era. Chambers also authored "The Mediaeval Stage," further exploring the evolution of drama from medieval times to the Renaissance. His meticulous research and insightful analysis have made significant contributions to the understanding of English theatrical history, solidifying his place in literary scholarship.