In this course we will examine varieties of English drama written before and leading up to Shakespeare, including the complete Chester Cycle, a number of non-cycle plays, morality plays and Tudor interludes. We will formulate some ways of approaching these playtexts: as cultural markers, as expressions of civic identity, as spectacular performative ventures, as intellectual parents and children during eras of change, as contemplative texts for reading, and as really good plays.

Texts:

• David Mills (ed.). The Chester Mystery Cycle. Colleagues Press, 1992.
• John Coldewey (ed.). Early English Drama: An Anthology. Garland Publishing, 1993.
• Albert Labriola and John Smeltz (eds.). The Bible of the Poor (Biblia Pauperum): A Facsimile and Edition of the British Library Blockbook C.9.d.2. Duquesne University Press, 1990.
• Michael Camille. Image on the Edge. Harvard University Press, 1992.
• Victor Turner. From Ritual to Theatre. Performing Arts Journal Publications, 1982.