Medieval Mystery Plays

Even though these plays are some of the oldest surviving dramatic manuscripts, there may be some confusion about them.

So, we thought you might appreciate this handy-dandy introductory guide:

What are they not?

· These are not “whodunit” mysteries a la Agatha Christie or Knives Out.

· These are not somehow stuffy or boring simply because the scripts are so old.

So, then, what are they?

· These are medieval interpretations of Bible stories.

· These showcase a range of moods and styles, from the supernatural to meaningful drama to wacky physical comedy.

In medieval England, mystery plays were first performed inside cathedrals, in part as religious instruction – especially during a time when the literacy level was lower than it is today.

After a while and for a variety of reasons, the plays had to move outdoors. When this move occurred, the plays still honored the biblical source material while also expanding the storylines.

For example, one of the most abidingly popular mystery plays is The Second Shepherds Play, which is almost entirely fictional – and is a comic farce about a sheep-theft that happened to some shepherds on the day that they would learn about the birth of Jesus.

There are surviving manuscripts from at least four geographic areas, including Wakefield, York, and Chester. There are between 24 and 48 extant mystery plays from each of these four regions, spanning the scriptural narrative from Creation to the Last Judgment.

For our Six Medieval Mystery Plays, we will be performing:

Noah

Abraham & Isaac

The Salutation of Elizabeth

The Second Shepherds Play

Lazarus

The Deliverance of Souls

Performances will be held outdoors on Trinity’s campus, in the Great Green Space between the Ozinga Chapel parking lot and the President’s Residence.

Director: Dr. John Sebestyen

Stage Manager: Katie Van Wyhe

Assistant Directors: Ryan Howey & Ryan Van Gilst

Cast:

Production Manager: Sam Jankosky

Production Assistants: Lilli Bruxvoort, Amy Meyrick, & Hailey Piorek

House Manager: Jacob McCleary

Dramaturg: Caleb Last

Scenic Designer/ Master Carpenter: Rick Schuler

Costume Designer: Machaela Whitlock

Assistant Costumer: Ally Eggert

Makeup Designers: Dani Daujatas & Evie Dykhouse

Ensemble: Jacob Contreras, Dani Daujatas, Kyle Donnelly, Evie Dykhouse, Ally Eggert, Ben Friesen, Jochebed Gwamna, Ryan Howey, MJ Huizenga, Adriana Klein, Mariel Martin, Derrieus Pendleton, Tony Reppmann, Abby Tillema, Jake Van Dyke, Ryan Van Gilst

Playwright:

Wakefield & Brome (towns from which our scripts originated)

Admission is free, but space is limited – so you must first reserve your spot by contacting Trinity’s Box Office:

Box.Office@trnty.edu

(708) 293-4537

Performance Dates / Times:

· Thursday, April 22 @ 4pm

· Friday, April 23 @ 4pm

· Friday, April 23 @ 6pm

· Saturday, April 24 @ 2pm

· Saturday, April 24 @ 4pm

The performances will run 90 minutes with no intermission. Masks and physical distancing will be required and enforced. Audience members will be asked to bring their own lawn chair or blanket.