Definition & Meaning of "Medieval theater"

What is "Medieval theater"?

Medieval theater refers to the style of drama that was performed in Europe during the Middle Ages, roughly from the 5th to the 15th century. This type of theater often had a religious focus, with performances depicting biblical stories, saints' lives, and moral lessons. The plays were commonly performed in church settings or public squares, and involved simple staging and costumes. Medieval theater included various types of performances, such as mystery plays, which dramatized Bible stories, and morality plays, which illustrated moral lessons through allegorical characters. The goal of medieval theater was to educate and inspire audiences through religious and moral storytelling, often making use of visual and dramatic elements to convey its messages.