Research Paper on:
English Drama and its History

Unformatted Sample Text from the Research Paper:
however, times when dramatic entertainment seemed to die out, only to be revived at another time and another place. Such is the case with English drama. "In the Sixth century,  the last of the Roman theatres were closed, secular playacting having been denounced as unchristian by the Roman Catholic Church" (Bukowski, 2000; midmus.html). For centuries dramatic theater ceased to exist.  And then, interestingly enough, the Church became responsible for bringing drama back into the lives of the people. In the following paper we trace the history of English drama from  its vague beginnings to 1600, or thereabouts. The History of English Drama "As the Dark Ages waned, the commoners of the western world relied on the Catholic Church  for their livelihood. Most of the population could not read or write, so their only source for education, guidance and entertainment was through the church" (Bukowski, 2000; midmus.html). It seems  that, although the Church was strongly opposed to drama, or playacting, they discovered ways in which they could "connect drama and religion by creating new dramatic forms, connecting folk and  pagan rituals with the liturgical calendars. These forms included Mystery plays, Miracle plays, Passion plays and Morality plays" (Bukowski, 2000; midmus.html). With mystery plays we have stories based on biblical  stories and with Miracle plays the audience was presented with stories concerning saints and such. "Passion plays concentrated on the life and death of Jesus Christ. Morality plays contrasted from  the other dramatic forms by weaving dreamlike dramas of outwardly ordinary people" (Bukowski, 2000; midmus.html). With these plays came a sense of excitement among parishioners, and from there the  imagination grew, bringing about the true birth of the English drama. "Soon plays became too elaborate to remain in the cathedrals and were therefore moved out to the streets. This