Meditation 8 - The Mysteries
I’m not sure what my opinion of The Mysteries is. Obviously at the time it was an important dramatic development, but watching it in class – especially watching a tape recording from the 80s. All of this leads to not being impressed, at least for me.
Just like in the case of the Greek tragedies we’ve been studying, I can recognize the importance of them, but I am still unenthusiastic.
At least in the case of these pieces of work, I was able to see a performance. That has helped me understand why they were so important – I really love what the National Theater did. I feel like they broke a lot of preconceived notions about religious theater – a black angel, nudity, etc. I enjoyed a lot of what they used, like Carol said – everyday items like tools, hardhats, painter’s overalls. I realize that of course it wasn’t the same when they were originally performed, but I think that they were similarly stirring in their place in time.
posted by Anonymous @ 10:02 PM
4 Comments:
I am curious as to why you are unimpressed with The Mysteries. I do not consider myself a particularly religious person, yet I feel that they speak to something in me. You, a Christian, recognize their importance but do not find anything personally redeeming about them. What is so inaccessible about these dramas? Why the lack of enthusiasm for something that is so meaningful to your own tradition? I'm mainly wondering because if ever I teach theatre I'd like to understand the different opinions surrounding these essential religious dramas.
I would have to say that the costuming was one of my favorite things about the mysteries. Using everyday items, and everyday pieces of clothing really makes it look like the actors are everyday people, just like the audience members.
I find it interesting that you did not enjoy watching the Mysteries. To me, I absolutely adored watching such an original and complete dramatic performance. Granted, only select stories from the Bible were depicted, but nonetheless I still found the Mysteries intriguing. I wonder what you would rather have seen in the plays. What in particular did you not care for in the performances? Personally, I can't really think of any major aspect of the play that I would change. I wonder how you would do this play differently.
I also was unimpressed with alot of it, but I really liked the set around the audience.
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