500-1500:it was during the 5th century

The plays were dogmatic: based on taboo, which was

prohibited or restricted by social custom.
It was between good and evil and the good would
always win
Many people were dying (Dark Ages)
The plays were only available to the middle class and
the wealthy, kings and priests
After the fall of Roman the 600s A.D., came a period
known to us as the "dark ages."
The Religious Plays:
Performed in cycles.
Three kinds of religious plays:
Mystery plays about Christ or from the Old
Testament usually done in cycles (Second Shepherds
Play is one of these).
Miracle plays lives of saints, historical and legendary
Morality plays often of common mans struggle for
salvation
The Decline of Medieval Theatre:
1.Increased interest in classical learning affected
staging and playwriting
2.Social structure was changing destroyed
feudalism and "corporate" nature of communities
3.Dissension within the church led to prohibition of
religious plays in Europe (Queen Elizabeth, the
Council of Trent, 1545-1563 religious plays
outlawed.).
 By late 16th century, drama of medieval period lost its
force.
Results of the decline:
Professional actors still needed, but not amateurs.
Professional theatre rose, became commercial (no
longer a community venture).
No longer religious plays returned to the classics for
new ideas for stories. Rehearsals took place over
months
Held between dawn and beginning of the work day
Actors were fined for lateness, not knowing lines or
being drunk
Multiple playlets were rehearsed at the same time
Two types of garments: ecclesiastical robes and
everyday clothes
Accessories such as wings were added
Props were used to identify characters i.e. sword,
mirror, snakes etc..)
Heaven reps dressed to awe,Hell reps dressed to scar
Common humans dressed according to rank
Great detail went into designing the devil