The history of the world from beginning to end (LIT 26)

  • Day and time: Monday 12:45 - 14:15
    Weekly
  • Length of course: 3 terms. Autumn (10 Weeks), Spring (10 Weeks), Summer (10 Weeks)
  • Number of places: 20
  • Start date: 10 October 2022
  • Description:

    In the Middle Ages many cities provided, once a year, a cycle of short plays presenting the history of the world - from a Biblical perspective. God contemplates inventing a cosmos; the devil grooms Eve; Mrs Noah gets fed up with her husband's cranky End-of-the-world-is-nigh idea of building a big boat; a pursued rustler hides his stolen sheep (=baby Jesus) in a cradle; sadistic torturers joke as they beat up the would-be king; and angels and demons fetch good and bad souls away to different venues on the Last Day. Enthusiastic volunteers will read the parts each week. I will provide a critical commentary. You will need "The Wakefield Mystery Plays" translated by Martial Rose. This out-of-print 1961 book can only be obtained on-line - e.g. through "abebooks.com". Our approach will not be a "making relevant", Politically Correct one, but we'll explore the Middle Ages on its own terms.

  • Format: Play-reading by members of the class (with passion, enthusiasm and spirit)

  • Tutor: Chris Jones
  • I have always loved the culture of the Middle Ages (e.g.Chaucer, Giotto, the troubadours, St Francis). That time of high civilisation has much to teach us.


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