Morality Plays
Morality Plays are a medieval European verse drama which were designed to enlighten and discipline their audiences. These were, in part, a development of the Mystery Play. The plays replace human characters with personified virtues and vices with the humorous elements being provided by the Devil. Morality Plays, such as 'Everyman', flourished in the 15th Century and it's influence is not only seen in Elizabethan dramas but also in today's theatre.
Currently this is unknown and the authors remain anonymous - this is despite theories attempting to unmask the playwrights.
Morality Plays are known for their mobility. The plays as a whole are known to have few special staging needs. The plays require no actual 'stage' other than a space amongst spectators - the 'place'. This is a long established practice for both medieval and Tudor plays. Specific locations with the plays (such as 'Everyman's House of Salvation) were either left to the imagination or shown through careful use of the 'place'. Occasionally a few symbolic props such as Mankind's spade were featured. This is very versatile as Everyman can be shown entertaining his kinsmen and approaching his grave soon after. The absence of a raised stage also encouraged unity between the players and the audience which made the play more attractive to perform and to go and watch.
source: newplays.org.uk
نظر