Crash Course Theater: Medieval Drama

The video explores medieval theater, focusing on mystery and morality plays. It discusses the evolution from liturgical drama in churches to secular performances, highlighting the role of cycle plays. The Second Shepherd's Play is analyzed as an example of blending biblical stories with local culture. The video also introduces secular and morality plays, noting their influence on later theater.

What was the primary purpose of mystery and morality plays in medieval Europe?

• To promote political agendas

• To showcase technological advancements

• To unite religious and secular life

• To entertain the nobility

Why did liturgical drama move outside the church in the early 13th century?

• Pope Innocent III banned clergy from performing in public

• The church was too small to accommodate the audience

• The weather was more suitable for outdoor performances

• The clergy wanted to focus on sermons

What are cycle plays known for depicting?

• The history of the Christian universe

• The lives of medieval kings

• The daily life of peasants

• The adventures of knights

How were cycle plays typically organized in England?

• By local governments

• By royal decree

• By trade and craft guilds

• By religious guilds

What is the main conflict in 'The Second Shepherd’s Play'?

• A love triangle among shepherds

• A battle between two villages

• A sheep theft by Mak

• A dispute over land ownership

What unusual gift is brought to baby Jesus in 'The Second Shepherd’s Play'?

• A tennis ball

• A wooden toy

• A golden crown

• A loaf of bread

What was a common theme in morality plays?

• The inevitability of death

• The glory of war

• The power of love

• The importance of wealth

Which medieval play genre often included fairies and folklore?

• Secular plays

• Morality plays

• Cycle plays

• Mystery plays

What was the impact of Protestant reformers on cycle dramas?

• They increased funding for productions

• They modernized the scripts

• They banned them due to religious concerns

• They encouraged more performances

Which play is still performed today and often updated?

• The Second Shepherd’s Play

• Everyman

• The Play of the Greenwood

• The Play of Robin and Marion