How did the Miracle and Mystery plays change drama?
Miracle plays and Mystery plays are actually two steps in the development of European drama. They began as Mystery plays, staged by the clergy in the 10th century to disseminate biblical stories. At that point in time, most people were illiterate so biblical stories had to be narrated or dramatised. Dramatisation was far more effective than narration, so the clergy acted in what would essentially be biblical plays. In 1210, clergy were no longer allowed to perform in public. The plays thus moved out of the control of the clergy and into the public domain, leading to the creation and performance of Miracle Plays, which told the stories of saints.
