Angels and Shepherds, Lords of Misrule, York Mystery Plays, 2002

This Ars Ludendi for Wright History course explores the York Corpus Christi Plays – commonly known as the York Mystery Plays – in their historical, literary, and cultural contexts, and is informed throughout by the extensive modern performance and directorial experience of Ars Ludendi.

The plays have long been a prominent feature of York’s cultural landscape, and will be making a particularly welcome post-Lockdown return to the city’s streets in June 2022 (Covid/Deo volente). They have been many things to many people since the first extant record of their performance in 1376: a vehicle of worship and piety, an expression of civic pride, an arena for pious competition between trade guilds, a didactic tool, entertainment, and, latterly, a jewel in the crown of the post-war ‘tonic for the nation’ which was the Festival of Britain.

They will be explored via lectures by Dr Mike Tyler and Paul Toy, and illustrated by readings by Ars Ludendi from contemporary documents and from the drama itself.

RJW F222302 Online freelance course (via Zoom)

4 weekly 1½-hour sessions, Thursday 8 - Thursday 29 September (incl.), 7.00 - 8.30pm.

£72 (individual registration); £115 (for two people sharing one screen).

To register and pay by credit or debit card via our secure online booking system, please click the Book now button below.

If you would prefer to pay by BACS or cheque, please register via this form (BACS details/snail-mail address will be sent by return).