Textual Sources for Vernacular Theater in
Medieval France
Monologue, dialogue, mystère, moralité, farce, sottie, sermon joyeux, jeu; there are a number of genres in French medieval dramatic representation. Where were these performed: church, church steps, elaborate stage with mansions and platea, a simple flat surface supported by tréteaux, castle, town square, tavern, or elsewhere? How many performances were there of each? How wide was its audience? To what extent was each influenced by classical drama? by liturgical practices and drama? Was the vernacular Bible translation, active in France during the Middle Ages, incorporated into any of the religious plays? How did vernacular theater move from stage to manuscript page?
While these questions may find interesting answers in our selection of bibliographies, critical works, or in the introduction and notes of the many online editions we present, the purpose of this page is to continue a growing collection of online medieval manuscript facsimiles with forty-seven, containing works of vernacular theater.
This page is part of the Andy Holt Virtual Library's "Manuscripts of Medieval France with Vernacular Texts", a collection of over 900 links to manuscript facsimiles, including nearly all of the French medieval literarary canon.