by Gary Gagne

Created on: May 02, 2007   Last Updated: May 08, 2007

THE PEOPLE
To understand how the Medieval Cathedral developed into modern theater we must first look at the people who attended church in the middle ages. Throughout all of human history there was no concept of "fun", and no word for it! Life in the Middle Ages was short and brutal. Life expectancy was low (you could expect to be an old man by the age of thirty-five), and many mothers and babies died in childbirth, many children died young from accidents and disease. You had to expect to give birth to, (or father) a dozen children to be sure you had enough help to successfully farm land. Many people drank (alcohol) hard, to forget their lot in life and to self-medicate. Illiteracy was the rule. Knowing Latin was only the first step to becoming educated, schools and books were rare and expensive. At the same time violence and disease were rampant and you were lucky to have a turnup each day for a meal. In addition, if you lived in the Middle Ages you were probably a serf in indentured service to your Lord and master. You lived to tend his lands, and you died in his wars, as did your father and grandfather before you. It has been said that "there are no atheists in a foxhole", in the Middle Ages everybody was in a foxhole! During the 14th Century things suddenly got worse, the "Black Death" arrived, and over time, worked to decimate fully one-fourth of Europe's population. As far as the average person was concerned, life had always been this way.

THE CHURCH
Going to Mass on Sunday meant that you had a day off. The church was a sanctuary and anyone seeking safety could enter, it was peaceful, you were safe. A village church housed a community of people who had known you all their lives (even if they didn't call you a friend), and all your family was there. It was a reunion, a weekly affirmation of your place and value within the community. But, most of all, you came to claim your place in eternity. Noone could promise you a better life but, if you lived a good life, your reward would be great in heaven. In a church there were pictural representations of the life of Christ and the Saints which were valuable educational tools in teaching moral lessons to the congregation. Passion-plays, singing, and tableaus were all used to educate and inspire but also entertained. The Church was arranged much like a theater today, the alter and pulpit up front with plays being performed in front of them and people standing where we have seats today. The Mass itself appealed to the

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>