BtJREAU OF RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION
FEDERAL THEATRE PROJECT
303 West 42nd. Street New York
\P "PH/a'. 3 TEnI 3> ^
ENGLISH
MIRACLE, MORALITY AND MYSTERY PLAYS
a list
Compiled by
Mabel P. Worthington
BUREAU OF RESEARCH AND PUBLICATION
FEDERAL THEATRE FRCJECT
303 West 42nd» Jtreet New York
A SELECTIVE LIST OF ENGLISH MIRACLE, MORALITY AND MYSTERY PLAYS
The plays described in this list are classified as miracles, moralities
and mysteries, but it would be a mistake to assume that they are there¬
fore antiquated in themeor religious in treatment<> The subjects included
are as varied and complex as those of our modern drama„ In the 16th Cen¬
tury as in the 20th, there were pure farce, domestic comedy, drama dealing
with contemporary economic, social and religious conflicto In this list
are plays about "flaming youth, " marriage, plays pleading for scientific
enlightenment, and social reform,, The characters are likewise as varied
and complex as those in the modern theatre0 We have the petty gangster,
the well-meaning friend who offers bromidic advice, the fiery young rad¬
ical, and a host of other easily recognized figures„ A word should be
said about the characterization of Christ i$ the mystery plays. He
emerges not as a figure clouded in mysticism and romance, but as a real
person, a leader of the down-trodden, a political pawn of Pilate, Eerod
and the others, and finally as the victim of a lynch mob. In short, the
old English dramatists presented the problems of the times not abstractly,
but in warm and moving drama, with human and realistic characters0
Since few of the plays are divided into acts and scenes, the number of
lines has been indicated in each case. There are no stage directions
or description of sets0 These details are left to the discretion of the
director From the historical viewpoint, from the viewpoint of alert,
interesting drama, all the plays herein presented are well worth modern
productiono
THE DRAMA. OF THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST - Anonymous
Published by
Oxford University Pressr London, 1859
(Edwin Norris, ed. - Ancient Cornish Drama)
Type of Play:
Mystery play of the Resurrection
Theme:
Resurrection of Christ
Cast
Total No. of Characters:
No. of important Characters:
Extras:
15 m. - 5 f,
5 m. - 4 f.
5 m.
Scene;
Time: Of Christ's Death
Place: Jerusalem
Settings: Pilate's rooms
At the tomb.
No. of Acts:
No division into acts and scenes. If necessary,
division into scenes to be left to discretion of
director. 1600 lines.
Synopsis:
Pilate, worried, puts James and Nicodemus into jail. Christ descends
into Hell and there meets Adam, Eve, Enoch, Elijah, etc. An Angel lets
Nicodemus and James out of their cell. The soldiers are sent to Pilate
to watch the tomb. As they sleep, Christ rises and talks to Mary. The
soldiers, waking, bring the news to Pilate. He is angry and about to
exile them, but they challenge him to produee Nicodemus and James, He
goes to the jail and discovers that they are not there. Mary Magdalene,
Mary, the mother of James, and Salome mourn at finding the body gone.
An Angel tells them that Christ has risen and they go to spread the news.
Magdalene meets Christ in the guise of a gardener. He shows her His
wounds and tells her to tell the disciples. Only Thomas refuses to be¬
lieve, and after a long discussion goes off alone. Christ appears to
the disciples and they tell Him of Thomas. Luke and Cleophas meet
Jesus who expounds the gospel to them, shows them His wounds, and gives
them bread—the first communion. Thomas meets the two after Christ has
left them, but he does not believe them either. Finally Christ appears
to Thomas who feels the "wounds and asks forgiveness. Christ blesses all
before leaving to join His Father in Heaven.
The play is a little long but could be cut. Like most of the plays on
the subject, it is distinguished by the simplicity and the directness
of its appeal and by the humanity of the characters. The speeches of
the women, especially, are very moving.
Comment;
"Jesus, who was buried,
And put into a tomb of stone
By Joseph and other persons,
He said likewise
Rise on the third day
He would, very truly, without fail."
1-
THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD
- Anonymous
Published by:
Oxford University Press, London, 15.12
Malone Society Reprint edited Ir
J. Dover Wilson and Bertram 11.till
with the help of the general editor, W.W. Greg
Type of Play:
Protestant Resurrection Play
Thane
The Resurrection
Cast
Total No. of Characters: 25 m. - 4 f.
No. of important Characters: 7m. - 4 f.
Scene:
Time:
Place:
Settings
Of Christ's Death
Jersalem
Pilate's Palace
At the Tomb
Roadside Place
No. of Acts:
No division into acts and scenes. If necessary,
division into scenes to be left to discretion of
director. 1300 lines.
Synopsis
Pilate disclaims all responsibility for the death of Christ, stating
that the public clamor demanded His crucifixion. Annas and Caiphas
enter and implore Pilate to have the tomb guarded because the disciples
declare their intention of removing the body and announcing the
Resurrection. Amid the flash of lightning and the roll of thunder,
Christ rises and leaves the tomb. The disciples come to remove the
body but are told by an Angel that Christ has arisen, Christ then appears
before His disciples and asks them why they weep, (leaves missing)
Annas and Caiphas bribe the soldiers to say that the disciples came and
took away the body, so that the truth would be kept from the people,
(leaves missing) Christ reproaches the weeping and now regretting Peter
for his betrayal and sends him out to seek the other disciples. While
Cleophas and his brother are speaking of the rumors they have heard,
Christ appears before them, tells them of His passion and death, gives
them bread and sends them to Jerusalem to spread the news, (leaves
missing) Thomas refuses to believe that Christ has arisen until Christ
appears and shows His wound. The manuscript ends abruptly here.
In spite of its fragmentary nature, this play is recommended. It can
easily be adapted — until Christ's appearance before the women,
anyway. There are some excellent lines, some fine dramatic effects,
and nice dialogue. A very moving piece.
Comment:
2-
THE CONDEMNATION AND CRUCIFIXION (COVENTRY)
Anonymous
Published by:
Type of Play:
Theme:
Casts
Scene:
Nelson„ London, 192G
(FoJo Tickner - Earlier English Drama from
Robin.fiood to Everyman)
Mystery
The condemnation and crucifixion of Christ
Total NOo of Characters; llm0 - 5f0
NOo of important Characters; 4m0 - 3f0
Times
Place:
Settings:
Of Christ's Death
Jerusalem
Courtroom
Place of execution
KOo of Acts:
4 scenesc
50C linesc
Synopsis:
This play is a sequel to "The Trial of Christ,," Christ is brough back
to Pilate who wants to free Him, and begs Him to speak in Kis own de¬
fense o Jesus answers that He must do the will of His Father <> The Doc¬
tors shout for the blood of Christ, and He, along with two thieves, is
sentenced to be hanged0 Barrabas is set freeo Christ is seized, crowned
with thorns, and dragged away0 Amidst the wailing of the disciples and
the mocking of the soldiers, Jesus is undressed and nailed to the cross0
Christ blesses one of the thieves who professes a belief in Kim,, Pilate,
accompanied by the priests, arrives upon the scene and puts up a sign
which reads, "Here lies Jesus, King of the Jews0" Jesus dies and Mary,
almost prostrate, is taken away0
Comment:
An extremely able play, full of terror and sadness0 The condemnation
and lynching are done very well0 The scene at the cross is nervewracking
but excellent, authentic stuff0 One of the best of the Biblical plays,
it should be used with "The Trial of Christ,"
-3-
THE TRIAL OF CHRIST i?rora the Ludus CoventriaeJ
Anonymous
Published by
Nelson„ London, 1926,
lF„Jo Tickner - Earlier English Drama from
Robin Hood to Everyman)
Type
Miracle
Theme
The trial of Christ
Casts
Total NOo of Characters;
No, of important Characters
11m. - If
6uio
Scene;
Time;
Place;
Settings
Christ's Death
Jerusalem
Courtroom; Herod's Palace
Nos of Acts
5 sconesd 400 lines
Synopsis s
A messenger announces that Christ has been taken,, Pie describes the cap¬
ture to Annas and Caiphas, Christ is brought in and asked to explain his
teachings and to tell the whereabouts of His disciples, The 1<=" mod doc=
tors testify that He has taught things contrary to the law and onat He has
proclaimed Himself the Son of God, Christ admits these things and is beaten
and vilified., Peter answers a serving maid who asks him whether he isn't a
disciple of this man by saying that he never saw Him before in his life-
The cock crows0 /mother maid asks the same question,, the disciple answers
in the same manner, and the cock crows again,, A soldier identifies Peter
as one of those in the garden at the time the arrest was made,, and Peter
denies this as the cock crows the third time,, Peter weeps, realizing his
wrong, Caiphas sends a messenger to Pilate, Judas,, gone madf returns the
thirty pence he had received for betraying Christ and hangs himself,, Jesus
is brought before Pilate and charged with preaching against Caesar and the
laws of the land, Pilate can find no guilt in Him and wants to 1st Him go.
but the doctors threaten that they will carry the case to the Emperor if
Jesus is freed, Pilate is relieved to find that Christ was born a subject
of Herod and sends Him there to be tried. At Herod's palace the doctors
renew their attack, Herod orders Jesus to perform a miracle, Christ is
silent and Herod has Him scourged„ then sends Him back to Pilate with the
order that Pilate shall do with Him what he likes,
3ecause the writer conceived this story as a historical incident and
modernized his character and situations to fit his times» the play rings
very true. The characters are well defined, especially Peter„ Judas,
Pilate,, and the obsequious learned doctors. The play has suspense and
moving situation, poetry; and the dramatic technique is almost perfect.
One of the best of the Biblical plays. May be followed by "Condemnation"
or "Crucifixion," (same cycle)
Comment
MANKIND
- Anonymous
Published by:
Early English Drama Society, London, 1907
(J.S. Farmer - Recently Recovered 'Lost'
Tudor Plays.)
Type of Play;
Morality
Theme:
The conversion of Mankind by Mercy.
Cast:
Total No. of Characters;
No. of important Characters;
7 m.
3 m.
Scene:
Time; About 1475
Place: England
Settings: 1, 2, or 3 simple symbolic sets
No. of Acts
No division into acts and scenes; if necessary,
division into scenes to be left to discretion
of director. 1400 lines.
Synopsis:
Mercy urges the audience to remember God, and reminds all that on
Judgment Day the corn shall be saved and the chaff burned. Mischief
enters, and in lively language, ridicules Mercy. New Guise, Nought,
and Nowadays enter with a band of minstrels. Mercy reproaches them
for betraying many men, but they answer innocently that they only
make men merry. After some coarse joking, they leave. Mankind enters
and bewails the struggle between his body and his soul. Mercy offers
some kindly advice and warns him against the approaching vices; the
three vices accost Mankind as he is tilling the soil, and torment him
so much that he finally abandons his work and his religion and goes
off with them. Mercy appears before Mankind, reminds him that justice
will be done on Judgment Day, and offers some homely advice. Mankind
repents and returns to his Godly ways.
One of the livelier of the moralities. Robust and full of earthy
humor, human characters, and natural situations. The characters are
real people, not shady characters merely living up to their names.
Mercy is a kihdly and well meaning old friend, the vices much like
petty gangsters. Not a terribly subtle play, but a rather realistic one.
Gives a vivid picture of a section of tho lifo of the times. The play
also contains some fine poetry.
Comment:
-5-
THE INTERLUDE OF JOHN THE EVANGELIST
- Anonymous
Published by:
Early English Drama Society, 1907.
(J.S. Farmor - Recently Recovored 'Lost'
Tudor Plays.)
Type of Play;
Moral Interlude
Theme;
The conversion of Eugenio and Actio by St. John..
Cast:
Total No. of Characters:
No. of important Characters:
6 m.
3 m.
Scene:
Time: Of St. John
Place: Wherever St. John preached
Settings: Public square or by the wayside
No. of Acts:
No division into acts and scenes. If necessary,
division into scenes to be left to discretion of
director. 600 lines.
Synopsis:
Eugenio enters, speaking contemptuously of the Pope and holiness.
Irisdision remonstrates with him but Eugenio chooses to talk of
pleasanter things. After Irisdision leaves, the young man ponders upon
what he has said, but his pleasures call him away, St. John entersr
tells of his experiences in the days of Christ, then leaves the
audience in God's care. Eugenio, meeting Actio, tells him of
Irisdision. Actio laughs the subject away and the two young men leave
to seek gayety. Evil Counsel and Idleness then come on. The former
promises to be the servant of the latter and to find joyful ways of
passing time for him. Actio and Eugenio enter to hear St. John preach,
John preaches on the subject of the Pharisee and the Publican. Actio
and Eugenio denounce the wickedness of their lives heretofore and ask
mercy, John blesses them.
A loosely constructed play consisting merely of a series of episodes.
Worthwhile, however, because of some fine writing, some good descrip¬
tion of people, some interesting sidelights on the life of the times,
and the humanness of the characters. The speeches are short and to the
point, except John's sermon on the Pharisee and the Publican, and one
doesn't mind its length at all, because of the concreteness of the
narration.
Comment:
-6-
NICE WANTON by Thomas Ingeland (?)
Published by: Early English Drama Society, London, 1905
(O.S. Farmer - Dramatic Writings of Richard Wever &
Thomas Ingeland)
Type of Play: Interlude
Theme: Indulgence of parents brings children to bad end.
Cast: Total No. of characters; 7m. - 3 f.
No. of important characters: 4m. - 3 f.
Scene; Time: 16th Century
Place: England
Settings: Near Xantippe*s house
Inn
Court
No. of Acts: No division, but play naturally divides into two
parts. 800 lines.
Synopsis;
The Messenger opens the play with a statement of the moral: Youth is
naturally prone to evil and should be brought up strictly. In this
interlude you will see two children brought up freely and how they
ended. Barnabas wait6 for his brother and sister to go to school With
him. Ismael and Dalilah enter, treat the remonstrances of Barnabas
with flippancy and scorn, and, after he has left, throw away their
books and go off to make merry. Eulalia, a neighbor, speaks to
Xantippe, the mother, about her children, but Xantippe aceuses her of
jealousy and will not listen to anything against her darlings. Ismael
and Dalilah come back with Iniquity. They sing and talk bawdily, play
at dice, quarrel over the winnings*
Time has passed. Dalilah, ill, poor, ragged, diseased, meets her
brother Barnabas, who reproaches her for her evil life but promises to
take care of her if she will truly repent. She tells him that their
brother is about to be hanged for his misdeeds. The Baily Errand
tries to bribe the judge to let Ismael off. The judge refuses to be
bribed and Ismael is found guilty. Worldly Shame is gleeful. He will
capitalize, he says, on the grief of Xantippe. Xantippe enters, learns
what has happened to her proud son and handsome daughter. About to
kill herself, she is saved by Barnabas, who tells her to repent and make
amends. Barnabas, addressing the audience, repeats the moral. The
play ends with a prayer for the Queen, the realm, and the commonalty.
Comment:
A lively and realistic play about that problem of all ages: what is
youth coming to? The problem in this play is attacked realistically:
the downfall of youth is attributed to upbringing and environment,
and the punishment consists in the natural consequences of evil con¬
duct. The characters are excellently drawn, the dialogue animated.
-7-
THE DISOBEDIENT CHILD
by Thomas Ingeland
Published by; Early English Drama Society, London, 1905*
(J.S. Farmer - Dramatic Writings of Richard
Wever and Thomas Ingeland)
I
Type of Play; Interlude
Theme; Spare the rod and spoil the child.
Cast: Total No. of characters: 8m. - 2 f.
No. of important characters: 2m. -If.
Scene; Time: 16th Century
Place: England
Settings: Rich man's home.
At the Inn.
Young man's home.
No. of Acts: No division, but play naturally falls into
two parts. 1700 lines.
Synopsis;
The Prologue announces the theme of the.play, The rich man and his son
talk. The father suggests school, an army career, work. The son will
have none of these and announces that he is going to marry. The father
warns him against this and tells him he may never return home. The
father regrets having spoiled his son.
The Man Cook and the Woman Cook, Blanche, discuss the wedding. Blanche
tells of gossip she has heard, that the young man's money is nearly gone,
etc. She also makes a shrewd analysis of the character of the bride-
to-be — a shrew, she says, if ever there was one. There is a tender
scene in which the Young Man and his sweetheart assure one another of
their love. The priest bemoans the absence of his assistant, who is
probably away drinking somewhere and holding up the marriage and the
priest's fee. The father receives a letter from his son asking for
money. He bewails the ignorance of youth and prophecies the end of the
marriage, but refuses to send the money. The young Husband and Wife
hold a rapturous conversation on the joys of marriage. The serving
mar complains of the work he has had to do.
Time passes. The Wife and Husband quarrel, she reproaches him for not
having money, beats him, and leaves him finally to take care of the
house and wash clothes while she goes to the country. Satan compli¬
ments himself on his good work. The son goes to the father and tells
him the whole sad story. The father tells him he has made his bed and
now must lie on it, but says that he will see that the youth does not
starve.
The Perorator sums up and the play ends with a prayer for the Queen and
a song on the vanity of material things.
Comment:
This play's leterary merits, verse, pootic feeling and expression, and
its natural dialogue rank it as one of the most vigorous of the early
dramas of family life. Good domestic satire. Fine lyric passages.
Realistic,
WIT AND SCIENCE
by John Redford
Published by:.
Early English Drama Society, London, 1907.
(J\S. Farmer - Recently Recovered 'Lost'
Tudor Plays)
Type of Play
Morality Play
Theme t
The straying of Wit from the straight and
narrow and his subsequent recovery.
Castr
Total No. of characters; 12 m. - 4 f, 1 boy
3 m. - 2 f._
Scene:
Time; 16th Century
Place r England
Settings; Reasonrs horae. )
On the journey. ) or simple symbolic
Idleness' house.) sets.
No. of Actsr
No division into acts and scenes. If necessary,
division into scenes to be left to discretion
of director. 1400 lines.
Synopsis;
Before Wit may marry his daughter Science, says Reason, he must prove
his worth by travelling for a time with Instruction, Study, Diligence,
and Honest Recreation, Confidence brings Science a picture of Wit,
with an expression of the latter's noblest sentiments.
Wit, on the road, is advised by Instruction not to take a certain fork,
for he will meet an enemy, Tediousness, "whom he can never conquer with¬
out the weapons of Seience. Wit stubbornly proceeds, however, and is
killed by Tediousness. Revived by Honest Recreation, he is faced by
Reason, who reproaches Mm. Wit says to the devil with Science and
Reason, carouses, and falls into the clutches of Idleness, insulting
Honest Recreation and sending her off. As Wit sleeps Ignorancy comes in*
Idleness changes his garments for those of Wit, and puts a spell upon
the latter so that he becomes a fool. Fame, Favor, Riches, and Wor¬
ship wait upon Science but she will have none of them, as she confesses
to her mother that she is worried about Wit, the prodigal enters in the
garments and with the manners of a fool. Shame beata him until he cries
for mercy and agrees to marry Science. With the help of Study, Diligence,
and Instruction, Wit kills Tediousness. The marriage celebration takes
place, Science warning Wit that she will be a good wire as long as he
treats her well, but if he treats her ill, he will be sorry he ever
married her.
A good example of the "tnoral" play transformed into the comedy of
manners. The characters are excellent and the dialogue good and racy.
The play gives an insight into the life, social habits and manner of
Comment;
thinking of the times
-9-
THE RESURRECTION
(The Skinners' Piny of Chester) Anonymous
Published by
Nelson London P. hi 6
(Ti ckner's Earlier English Drama from Robin Hood
to Everyman)
Type of Play
Miracle
Theme
The Resurrection of Christ
Cast
Total Noo of characters; 11 m 4 f.
No,, of important characters; 4 m.
Scene
Time; Death of Christ
Place; Jerusalem
Settings; At a Tomb
\
No of Acts
6 Scenes. 400 lines
Synopsis
Pilate Annas and Caiphas have seen Christ die but they are afraid for
He said He would rise on the third day. Knights are sent to guard the
tomb- and stand ready to kill Christ should He come out of the sepulchre.
But they are stunned when Christ and two Angels appear accompanied by a
great light. The Knights believe in Christ now and tell Pilate what they
have seen. Pilate and his priests are angry and bribe the Knights to
keep their own counsel about the matter0 Meanwhile the women come to the
tomb to seek Jesus. They are told by the Angels that He has risen.
Accompanied by the disciples. Peter and John,, they go to seek him,,
Compared to the Coventry play on the same subject? this play suffers.
It is oversimplified in characterization; there is not so much poetry;
nor are the dramatic effects as good. However, it has enough charm and
simplicity and character of its own to warrant production,,
Comment
•10. •
THE CONVERSION OF ST, PAUL
Anonynouo
Published bys
Nelson, London 1926
(F.J Tickner Earlier English Drama from
Robin Hood to Everyman)
Type of Play;,
Miracle
Themes
The Conversion of Paul
Casts
Total No, of characters:
No, of important characters:
13 m,
4 m,
Scene:
Time: Just prior to Christ's Death
Place: Damascus j
Settings: 1, Saul's Palace,
2, On road to Damascus,
3, Temple in Damascus,
4, Prison in Damascus,
50 In Hell,
No, of Acts
3 Acts - 10 scenes, 700 lines
Synopsis:
Saul boasts of his power and instructs Caiphas and Annas to quell all
rebellions with the greatest possible vigor, Saul is going to Damascus
and the two priests will follow him shortly, Saul's servant brings his
horse and they leave. On the road to Damascus, Saul runs into a whirl
"wind He falls off his horse and is injured so severely that he becomes
lame and blind, God's voice reproaches him and tells him to go on to
Damascus where he will be helped- At Damascus, Christ appears to Ananias
and tells him he must see Saul Ananias is afraid but promises to obey,
The Knights marvel at the change which has come over Saul- Saul is deep
in contemplation when Ananias comes toi him,, restores his sight , and
christens him Paul Upon hearing from the Knights what has happened to
Saul Annas and Caiphas are shocked and angry. In Hell, Belial and Mer
cury plan to ruin Paul through Annas and Caiphas., Paul, in the garb of
a disciple prays in a garden in Damascus, Caiphas and Annas decide he
must die before Caesar hears of this scandal, Paul- in a prison in Dam
ascus' is warned by an Angel, In an epilogue we are told that although
Paul is in prison we need not fear, because disciples can even scale city
walls and Paul will scon join the other disciples in Jerusalem.
A well developed play, The lines are good, the characterization fair and
the suspense well handled There is one scene of comic reliefs the ir
re"e^mt episode in which Sauls'3 servant goes to get his horse from the
ht#t'e« Simple symbolic settings required.
Comment %
11 ■
THE NATURE OF TIE FOUR ELEMENTS
Anonymous
Published by; Early English D"uma Society London 1905*
(J,,S. Fannc ed six Anonymous Plays
first, series)
Type of Play; Moral Interlude
Theme;
Cart.;
Scenes
No* of Acts;
Humanity is lured aviay from scientific study
by Sensual Appetite,, and later repents*
Total No* of characters; 8 m„
No, of important characters; 3 m,
Time g About 1500
Place; England
Settings; Simple symbolic set
Ho division into acts and scenes, If necessary
difusion into scenes to be left to discretion of
di recto' 1500 lines,.
Synopsis;
Natura Naturata begins the play with a long discourse on the indestrucr
ibility of the four elements, namely air wate^ fire, and earth IIu
manity begs to be taught science* Natura begins the lesson and leaves
Studious Desire to continue it* In the midst of a highly interesting
discourse on why the earth is round Sensual Appetite enters and lures
away the pupil Studious Desire withdraws, and Sensual Appetite tells
Humanity that study wi 11 lead only to the grave and that Man's firs*'
study should be now to enjoy life* They order vane, meats and girls
f'-om the Taverner They leave to eat and Studious Desire and Experience
enter discussing the geography of the world. Humanity, Sensual Appetite
and the Taverner come back Sensual appetite torments the scholars and
finally Humanity sends him away and turns once more to the study of why
the earth is round, (Here some of the manuscript is missing) Ignorance
and Sensual Appetite are back again, boasting of their deeds* They r0use
Humanity who is lying in a corner and tell him he is sick from too much
study There is singing and dancing and gayety* Natura comes back and
rebukes Humanity who excuses himself, (The manuscript ends here
Comment;
Interesting because it seems to be the only extant drama of the period
which dealt with science* The play has sly humor and subtlety in the
characterization of Humanity who is timid wavering- apologetic a
person who gets headaches from too much study and from too much wine
alike; and of Sensual Apnetite who is vivaeiou- talkative, sarcastic
a little diabolic In spite of the fact that-be play is incomplete
and seme of the speeches a little long it could be adapted and put on
today with much benefit ail around...
THE HISTORY OF JACOB /IND ESAU Anonymous
published by
Type of Play;
Jneme
Cast:
Scene;
lib. of Acts;
Synopsis?
Surly Litvtl iPh Dramu Society London,, 1906,
(J ,3 17 r,-'~ -
ed„ Six anonymous Plays„
second series)
Interlude
The deoeption of Isaac and his undeceiving.
Total No. of characters;
No of important characters;
Extras;
6 irio ■ 2 f„
3 m, If.
4 to 12
Time; Biblical era.
Place; Egypt.
Settings; 10 Isaac's house
2. In the hunting fields
5 4».cts 32 Scenes. 3200 lines.
Isaac ana .abecca have two sons Jacob and Esau. Esau is the elder and
the beloved of his father while Jacob is the favorite of the mother,.
Rebecca proposes to Jacob that he buy his brother's birthright. She
tells Isaac that the Lord has told her that Jacob wi11 be set above Esau.
Isaac answers that that is the Lord's affair but that he will give Esau
his blessing and the larger share of his goods according to the lav/ of
the land Esau„. hunting, has bad liwk and is starving Jacob comes and
offers to feed him in exchange for his birthright, Esau accepts, but says
he'll see that Jacob doesn't get the birthright. Rebecca is happy to hear
the news of the exchange Isaac old and blind, and believing that he is
about to die asks Esau to bring him some venison so that he may eat and
then give his blessing Esau goes to get the venison. But Rebecca has
overheard She cooks a kid for Isaac and puts fur gloves and sleeves on
Jacob to make him feel like Esau Jacob serves Isaac who blesses him.
thinking he is Esau, V.Tien he learns of the trick which has been played on
him Esau rages Rebecca alarmed, sends Jacob to visit his uncle in
Mesopotamia Esau reproaches his mother and she makes him promise to
be friends with Jacob However he says that when he meets Jacob he v/ill
do what God puts into his heart to do.
Comment;
^ technically excellent play the work of a competent craftsman Action
well-knit and suspense well handled The characters are well drawn, es
pecially the minor characters the servants , Of the major characters
none enlists the sympathy of the reader completely. One does not sym
pathize v/ith Esau and certainly Jacob does not especially recommend him
self. The dialogue is good.
13
HICKSGORNER
Published by;
Type of Play;
Theme;
Cast;
Scone.
NOo of . .ctss
.anonymous
Early English Drama Society, London, 1905,
(J„S, Fanner ed Six Anonymous Plays -
First Series)
lorulity
The conversion of Freewill and Imagination by
Perseverance and Contemplation.
Total Noo of characters; 6 m0
No of important characters; 5 m0
Time; Late 15th Century ■-< early 16th Century
Places England
Settings; Simple symbolic set.
No division into acts and scenes. If necessary
division into scenes to be left to discretion of
director, 1300 lines.
Synopsis;
Pity is joined by Contemplation and Perseverance, and all three lament
the degeneracy of the age Leaving, they decide to do something about
it. Freewill and Imagination enter, boasting of their exploits. Hick-
scorner comes and joins them. One insults the mother of one of the
others and a rumpus takes place. Pity comes and tries to stop them,
but they join forces against him, put him in the stocks, and leave. He
is freed by Perseverance ^nd Contemplation, Freewill, returning, launch
es into a comic and highly colorful account of his adventures. Per
severance and Contemplation talk to him ana make him see the error of
his ways Then they convert Imagination, and Perseverance gives the
epilogue.
Comment;
The characterization is rather good and the dialogue racy. The moral
takes a place secondary to the rollicking display of the vices of the
age The moral characters are rather similar and are given to long"
winded speeches.. The vices, however, are hard-boiled, cocky, unfail¬
ingly gay. There is also some sly irony in the newly converted Free
will's virtuous speech to his astounded and as yet unconverted com¬
panion, A rather fine example of the old English morality changing
into a comedy of manners.
-14"
THE INTERLUDE OF GODLY QUEEN HESTER
Anonymous
Published by; Early English Drama Societyr London, 1906,
(JaS-, Farme" ed Six Anonymous Plays
Second Series)1
Type of Play; Interlude
Theme;
Casto
Scene;
No, of Acts:
The triumph of Esther and her people oven ] jUHan0
Total No, of characters; 15 m, ■ 1 L
No, of important characters; 3m, 1 f0
Extras; 4 to 12
Time; 16th Oentury
Place; England
Settings; The Palace of King Assuerus
No division into acts and scenes If necessanyr
division into scenes to be left to discretion of
director, 1400 lines.
Synopsis;
The question is posed; ".That is of the highest honor riches power, wis¬
dom, virtue, or noble blood? Three gentlemen of the court answer this
question and state that virtue is most important. They further agree that
a good King must be just in order to dissipate any idea prevalent among
the people that Justice is only for the rich. The King is especially im
pressed by one of the gentlemen, Aman, and makes him Chancellor The King
decides to marry and asks that a number of women be brought to him, Hester,
brought to court by her father Mardocheus, is chosen by the King for her
sobriety and good sense She immediately begins to plead for the common
people, but the King tables the question.. The common people complain a
gainst Aman Under his rule they are suffering and starving Aman reaches
the King before the complaints do, however, He states that the Jews are
starting a campaign of slander against him and that the Jews are bad citi'H
zens and are encouraging the people to revolt, The King agrees to a cam
paign of suppression against them Meanwhile Hester has heard the com
plaints of her people and approaches the King on their behalf She ne
veals to him that she herself is a Jewess and delivers an admirable speech
on the virtues of her people The King sentences Aman to hang on the
gallows the latter has constructed for Mardocheus, and makes Mardocheus
Chancellor.. He reproaches himself for the lack of diligence that has made
this widespread injustice possible.
Comment;
This Biblical story has been modernized to fit England of the 16th Century.
It is assumed that Aman represents the hated Jolsey, It is a rather fine
play because of the social problem it treats and because of the nobility of
the character of Hester although the author is unknown, the play has been
attributed to Skelton or one of his school, as well as to Richard Edwards,
15 •
iKE Jiu Cj? AKi; JOai.tiv!
Anonymous
aarly English drama Cociety,, London, 1908,
IJ..WO 1armor, ou0 - Five Anonymous Plays -
Fourth Tories 1
Lorality
ihe leading astray of ..it who returns to
the straight and narrow encouraged by Science
ana advivud by Instruction
Total Koo of characters; 8 a. - 5 f(
.\o, of important characters; 2 n. = 2 f,
fines 16th Century
flace England
settings; Wit's home0
Science's home,
Cn the journeyo
Idleness' house0
5 Acts - 17 Cceneso 1500 lines»
Ait wants to marry Ecience, his mother tells him he must win her by his
own initiative ar.d gives him ..'ill for a servant., './ill is not weli-dis ■
posed to the lues of marriage; it ties a man down and he doesn't like the
bride's mother. However, he takes gifts and a message from Lis master to
science, who isn't anxious to marry, and delivers them very prettily.
Science invites ..it to see her, Eeason, Experience, and Science have an
interview with ..'it anu decide to give him Study, Instruction, end Dili =
gence to be his companions, ..ill is unfavorably impressed with the fut¬
ure mother-m=>law but ..it hushes him up, lit chafes at the waiting and
studying and pleads with Science to hasten their union. Experience tells
him caustically tc wait and prove his worth, ./ill remarks cynically on
the nature of women, ocience. however, takes pity on her suitor and tells
him that if he will slay her enemy Tediousness she will be his,
••it fights Tea.ousness, if* beaten, and led astray by Idleness, he degene
rates, science ana. Season enter and uo not recognize him in his demoral¬
ized state, -Lame cc. .es anci ./it begs for death. Season invites him to
return to study. He does so, and when he fights Tediousness again con¬
quers-. encouraged by Science and advised by Instruction, Science gives
him her hand.
Comment;
The characters, although called by tho names of moral qualities, are
human and muividualizedo The hero ..it is a young weiyman, who
appeals to the audience; ..ill provides a light touch by his cynical
remarks. The "moral" of the play is translated into human terms.
The dialogue is lively, natural, often sparxlingo
-16™
Published by;
Type of Play:,
fhome;
Casts
Ecene:
l/o of .-wCts ?
Eynopsiss
NEW CUSTOM
Anonymous
Published by
Early English Drama Society, London, 1906
(JoSo Farmer, ed„ - Anonymous Plays
Third Series)
Type of Play
Morality
Theme;
Pro-Protestant play, showing the conversion of
people to new ideas0
Cast;
Total No a of characters;
No, of important characters
9 m, - 1 f
5 a.
Scene;
Time; 16th Century
Place; England
Settings; Simple symbolic set
No of Acts
3 Acts - 6 Scenes, 1600 lines.
Synopsis;
Perverse Doctrine and Ignorance discuss this "new prattling heresy" Pro
testantism which encourages youngsters ^vho should be playing ball to m
terpret the Scriptures, New Custom comes in and bewails the vices and
degeneracy of the age. Perverse Doctrine and Ignorance attach him verb
ally and they argue. New Custom driving home his points vigorously and the
other two scornfully and maliciously As the minister leaves, the two
priests swear to get revenge,, As Light of the Gospel and New Custom dis
cuss methods of spreading their beliefs. Hypocrisy and Perverse Doctrine
map out their campaign; they will teach contrary doctrines, spread slander
about the new ministers and tell people they have been hired by French
gold. They consult Cruelty and Avarice, who describe the various devices
for stamping out heresy- They all decide that New Custom must be gotten
rid of Light of the Gospel and New Custom enter and accost Perverse
Doctrine, They plead with him and finally convince him of the truth of
what they say. Edification Assurance, and God's Fidelity come to the
reformed man. The play ends with a prayer for England and Queen Elizabeth.
Exceedingly interesting as one of the earliest "propaganda" plays*
Audiences will probably be amazed to discover the modernBess of the
thing, The characters are rather well outlined (they are types rather
than individuals, however) many of the lines forceful and vigorous.
It should certainly be put on for its historical interest*
Comment
I?-
THE MiifiRIAGL OF WIT AND WICDQM Anonymous
Published by: Early English Drama Society, London, 1908
(J,8,, Farmer ed, ~ Five Anonymous Flays
Fourth Series)
Type of Play; Morality
Theme; The leading astray of Wit and his final recovery
and marriage to Wisdom,
Cast: Total No, of Characters; 13 m, 4 fB
No, of important characters: 4 m, -
Scene: Time; About 1579
Place: England
Settings: Home of Wit, )
House of Wantonness ) or simple sym~
A Street ) bolic sets0
No a of Acts: 2 Acts ~ 2 Scenes0 1500 lines0
Synopsis:
Severity and Indulgence, father and mother of Wit, have chosen Wisdom
to be their son's wife. Idleness plots with Wantonness for the downfall
of Wit« Idleness, disguised as Honest Recreation brings the lad to
Wantonness, and then steals his purse while Wit is busily engaged in the
pursuit of pleasure. Adopting various disguises. Idleness leads Wit
thru one misadventure after the other, until the latter finally winds up
in jail, whence he is rescued by Good Nurture, Idleness succeeds in elud
ing his would-be captors and even joins search in the wide hunt that has
been organized to find him. In the final scene. Idleness enters dressed
as a priest, and announces that he intends to be present at the wedding of
Wit and Wisdom, thus hinting at further mischief*
Comment:
A lively and entertaining play, chiefly because of the irrepressible
Idleness who in his various disguises steals every scene he is in The
other characters are very good = a little burlesqued^ Considerable in
sight is given into the life of the times» This play is an example of
the Morality play almost entirely transformed into a folk play with real
characters instead of moral qualities, genuinely comic situations- and
with an eye for the audience, its likes and dislikes.
-18<
THE INTERLUDE OF YOUTH
Anonymous
Published by;
Early English Drama Society, London. 19060
(J.S„ Farmer, ed, - Six Anonymous Plays -
Second Series)
Type of Play;
Moral Interlude
Theme;
The conversion of Youth from Riot and Lechery
to Charity and Humility,
Cast;
Total No. of characters;
No, of important characters
5 m. - 1 f,
5m, - 1 f0
Scene;
Time; About 1525-1550
Place; England
Settings: Simple symbolic sets
No. of Acts;
No division into acts and scenes. If necessary
division into scenes to be left to discretion of
director, 800 lines.
Synopsis;
Charity meets Youth, glorying in his strength and energy, and asks him
reproachfully whether he intends to forego virtue. Youth answers blithely
that he does. Charity speaks of Heaven and Youth answers jocularly that
he'd need a ladder to get there, and what if the ladder broke, and his
neck in the bargain? He is flippant but not unkind as Charity goes on
speaking. The latter goes to seek the help of Humility, Riot, whom Youth
has heard was hanged, enters gaily. It seems the rope broke and Riot es
caped, He brings Pride as a servant to Youth and Lady Lechery as a par
amour. On their way to the tavern they meet Charity, who accosts Pri'de,
They ask Charity to be off and when he won't, they tie him up and leave
him. Charity welcomes his martyrdom but after a time Humility comes and
unties him, i,7hen the merry companions return Humility addresses himself
to Youth. Youth answers at first jokingly. Then he becomes serious but
somewhat cynical. He is assailed finally on the one side by Charity and
Humility and on the other Pride, Riot, and Lady Lechery. Finally, Youth
forswears his former cronies and prays with Charity and Humility,
One of the best of the moralities, comparable to "Everyman" in that the
character of Youth is somewhat universal. Youth is husky and vibrant
but not purely animal; he has a mind and sensibilities and his reactions
to Charity and Humility change in a fairly realistic manner. There is
some picture of the gay life of the times shown0 There are some fine
lines and stanzas and the speeches are short and to the point.
Comment:
-IS-
MISOGONUS
Anonymoua
Published by:
Type of Play:
Theme:
Cast:
Early English Drama Society, London, 1905,
(J«S.Farmer, ed. - Six Anonymous Plays -
First Series)
Comedy
Troubles of a father over a wastrel son0
Total No. of. characters; 10 mo - 3 f„
No, of important characters: 6m. - 2 fc
Scene: Time: 16th Century
Place: England
Settings: 1, Philogonus' House..
2, Dueling ground„ >
30 Melissa's House,
4o Near "farmer's residence.
No, of ,,cts; 4 Acts - 16 Scenes, 4000 lines.
Synopsis:
Fnilogonus tells his troubles to his friend Eupelas: he has been too in¬
dulgent with his motherless boy and he has become a ne'er-do-well,
Eupelas promises to talk to the boy, Cacurgus, taken for a fool by
Philogonus, overhears the conversation and reports to Misogonus, ^Misogonus.
after having fought a duel and lost, is taken by OSnophilus?to see Melissa
They are drinking, dancing and gambling with Melissa and a degenerate priest
Sir John, "when Philogonus, Liturgus, and-Eupelas enter. The:older men re
proach Misogonus but he permits them to be insulted by his companions and
throws them out. The father promises to leave, all his moneyi to charity but
Misogonus says he'll get it by hook or crook, ' Two farmers and their wives
discuss matters and decide to tell Philogonus that he has another son, sent
by his mother to his uncle as soon as he was born, -They approach^Philogonus
and after much elaborate introduction and quibbling among ;t hems elves, tell
him, Liturgus is sent to get the other son, Misogonus is upset and tries
tc fix things by having Cacurgus bribe the two farm women. This fails;
Eugonus, the missing son, arrives; Philogonus offers to forgive Misogonus
and give him a share of the estate. Misogonus refuses until he sees all
his friends and servants leaving him, then changes his mind, reflecting
that half a loaf is better than none at all.
Comment:
Technically, the play is excellent. The major characters are good enough
but the minor characters, the farmers and the women are excellent The
language is amazing. The author has used dialect, baby talk, gutter English
lavishly, whether from a conscious revolt against purist tendencies in lit
erature or not, one cannot say. The incidental action and dialogue stands
out - the asides of Cacurgus, the bickerings of the husbands and wives
etc Altogether an able play,
-20-
RESPUBLICA
by Udell (?) (l^blous)
Published by;
Early English Drama Society,, London. 1907
(JoSo Farmer, edv' Recently Recovered 'Lost'
Tudor Plays -)
Type of Play:
Interlude
Theme:
Respublica is freed from evil influences by
God's emissaries.,
Cast:
Total Noo of characters:
Noo of important characters:
6 m, 6 f
4 mo -If
Scene:
Time: 16th Century
Place: England
Settings: One or,more =• Respublica''s Palace exterior..
Ko of .-.cts:
5 Acts -■ 24 Scenes, 3300 lines.-
Synopsis:
Avarice. Insolence. Oppression, and Adulation decide to win the favor of the
Lady Respublica and become her ministers, in order to further their own ends
They rechristen themselves to better achieve this end. Respublica. at her
wit's end, is wondering what policies to pursue when the vices offer their
services Taking their words for what they are, she gives them the reins of
governmentc Pretending to the credulous lady that they are wiping out the
vices in her state the rogues proceed to make themselves rich. In spite of
their efforts to prevent him, however, people complains to Respublica
Trusting her ministers, she urges People to be patient He doggedly returns
to her. however, The gallants try to discredit him and finally threaten htm
with death Meanwhile they rush about to get as much as they can before
the blow falls Respublica prays to God for guidance and is visited by the
four Ladies who tell her of the duplicity of her ministers.. The rogues
are jailed- and the players pray for Q,ueen Mary, hoping that her reign will
be long.
A rlav dealing with the social and economic aspects of the Protestant
Reformation although the viewpoint is anti Protestant, the author does
not go into long harangues against the Reformers, but rather exposes those
who corrupt governments under the cloak of reform The characters are wei.1
drawn, the dialogue idiomatic and pointed the satire bitingo Technically
the play is well worked out. Good for the approach and clear exposition
of contemporary problems„
Comment:
-21-
THE TRIAL OF TREASURE
Published by;
anonymous
Early English Drama Society. London. 1906
(JoS. Farmer, ed,. Anonymous Plays
Third Series)
Type of Play;
Lioral Interlude
Theme; The triumph of Just over Lusta
Cast; Total No, of characters; 12 a 2 f
No, of important characters; 6m If.
Scene; Time; 16th Century
Place; England
Settings; One or more - by a wayside or any
simple symbolic set.
Ho. of ziCts; No division, 1600 lines,
Synopsis;
Lust, singing of the joys of being alive on a fair May morning, is reminded
by Just that it is better to be in a house of mourning than a house of laugh
ter The two disagree and wrestle. Just winning. Inclination, Lust Sturdi
ness. Elation, and Greedy-Cut become friendly. , Lust confesses occasional
doubts but Inclination dispels them. Just and Sapience, speaking of the worth
lessness of money and worldly things, are' met by Inclination, who tries to a
void then by pretending he can't speak English They bridle him ahd leave
but he is freed by Lust and Greedy-Gut, Just. Trust, and Gontentation offer
each other the consolations of religion, .Lust meets Lady Treasure and her
brother Pleasure, who become his concubine and servant, God's Visitation
comes along and casts grief and pair, into Lust, Pleasure is taken away and
made servant to Just, Time enters and leads out Lust and Treasure, telling
them the;, will become dust and rust. Just tightens the bridle on Inclin
ation and threatens to throw him into prison,. Time brings in a handful of
E-st. the remains of Lust and Treasure, and delivers the moral,
Comment;
This play makes up for its diffuseness and lack of action by well-defined
characters., sly humor and irony, and tne fact that it is on a higher in
tellactual plane than most moralities., There are some rather charming
songs scattered throughout the play0
April 22, 1936
MABEL P, W0RTIIINGT0N
KATHARINE CLUGSTON, Supervisor,,