The renaissance period in England. Art and literature, development of drama. Dynasties, kings and queens.
Enjoyed life. Drama became most important genre of literature
in this period. Drama as a genre started already in the middle ages. At the beginning
it was a religious thing, because acting in those days was part of religious ceremony.
Oldest plays were called mysteries and miracles, played by clergyman, showed scenes
from Christ's life and saints lives. Were performed on religious holidays in church and
they both encluded many choral elements (singing). Often formed cycles, several
strories about same event
.
14th century guilds became responsble for performing certain parts of saints lives and
they performed them on cart that were pushed around in town. People who belonged
to guild were actors, craftmen. At the end of 14th morality plays appeared and they
were single plays. Aim was to teach people a moral lesson. Often dramatized these
plays the conflict between good and evil. Characters were different vices and virtues.
Bestknown morality was "Everyman" written 1485.
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