The article analyses “N-Town Mystery Plays” previously known as “Ludus Coventriae Cycle” - a collection of XV-century religious plays from Eastern England without exact geographical attribution. Along with traditional for the medieval English theatre biblical play cycles, “N-Town Plays” also include small independent cycles and independent plays (Virgin Mary cycle, “The Passion of Christ”, “The Repose of the Virgin”). Some of independent “N-Town Plays” are analysed and their subject and thematic originality is revealed. The author makes a suggestion about their possible scenic interpretation. The conducted research allows concluding on originality of internal structure of “N-Town Cycle”.
The article deals with the interpretation of the classical for the medieval literature image of the Garden of Eden in the context of religious theater. In connection with this, the liturgical drama of the XII century “Le Jeu d’Adam” / “The Play of Adam” and four largest cycles of English mysteries: York, Chester, the cycle of “N-Town” and “Townley”, have been analyzed. By the material of dramatic works and scenic instructions for plays, the problem of showing sacral space in the Middle Ages and its role in the plot are studied. It is concluded that the Garden of Eden in mysteries is endowed with certain features of a real-life place, which makes it possible to influence the viewer with the greatest force, but at the same time in the plot of the Fall it remains opposed to terrestrial space.
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