A Play Within a Play

The York Mystery Plays are significant theatrical presentations. Their role is not to just entertain or tell a story. In a profound way they are designed to transport us into the past, to connect an audience with the mystery plays that made such a huge impact on the history of the theater.

Mystery plays were originally performed in England by educated members of the guild to share the stories of the Bible with community members. For nearly two centuries they were enjoyed by all in the provincial areas of England. It was a community experience. The presentations were not refined, but they still made their mark on history.

The York Mystery Plays connect us to these plays in a variety of ways.The sets and costumes must feel authentic to the mystery plays of the past. They are constructed with material that would have been used at that time. Nothing about the presentation feels "real" because it would not have back then. The teetering floats and hand painted backdrops are just right.  (The only materials I am not too sure about are the metallic afros the kids are wearing at the end...)  Actors have to be aware of the fact that they aren't just playing their part in the play, they are playing the role of a 15th Century guild member playing that role in the play. So it is perfectly appropriate for them to hop down off of the cross when they are done with the scene even though it completely ruins any sort of illusion that they were actually crucified.

This connection to the past is the significance of the York Mystery Plays. It is accomplished through authenticity of materials, set construction, and delivery by the actors.