THE SECOND SHEPHERD'S PLAY - Research

I had done minor study of Historical Drama at TEXAS WESLEYAN COLLEGE, which included the Medieval Cycle Plays. 14 individual plays covered everything from the Fall in Eden to the Crucifixion. Each was told from the point of view of the comman man and presented in a style designed to entertain the masses as well as enlighten them.

The method of performance has been the subject of much conjecture, although there is general agreement that certain Guilds or Unions of workers ( Millers, Weavers, Hostlers, etc.) were traditionally entrusted with both the writing and production of  a specific play. Large wagons were fitted with simple stage dressings and the plays were "rolled" from village to town in procession and performed during feastivals and fairs.

All of this was closely watched over and approved by the Church and it's friars to ensure strict accordance with the teachings of the Bible. In fact these plays were the only sanctioned form of entertainment during the Middle Ages, outside of the poetic plays which were performed privately for Nobles and Lords. 

Above are some examples of the research I did prior to designing THE SECOND SHEPHERD'S PLAY for the Hip Pocket Theatre. All references to the Wagon Stages are based on paintings from the 18th century, whose accuracy can't really be judged. I think the conjectured ideas on the left are probably fairly authentic, if perhaps a bit grander than the originals.