"The rights of the player": evidence of mimi and histriones in early medieval Scandinavia

Article Abstract:

The view of most theater scholars that medieval Scandinavia did not have dramatic activity is incorrect. The Old Norse word 'leikari' has been construed in many ways including jester or juggler but can also mean actor. There is considerable evidence for such 'leikarar' in Old Norse sagas. They were popular but poorly regarded by the legal system since they were itinerant and respect in Old Scandinavia depended on the ownership of land. The leikarar are on a par with the 'mimi,' 'histriones' and 'ioculatores' of other European sources. Not merely jesters or jugglers, all evidence suggests that they were involved in the whole range of dramatic activity.

Scandinavia

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Confraternities and carnival: the context of Lorenzo de'Medici's 'Rappresentazione di SS. Giovanni e Paolo.' (Continental Medieval Drama)

Article Abstract:

Lorenzo de' Medici's 1491 religious play 'Rappresentazione di SS. Giovanni e Paolo' served a political purpose besides a family function. He wrote the play for his son to perform in at the boys' confraternity in Florence, Italy. However, the social context of the confraternities fit into the power structure of the Medici family, and Lorenzo's play served to reaffirm old ties.

15th century AD, Confraternities, Mysteries and miracle-plays, Miracle plays, Mystery plays (Religious drama)

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Cathedral chapter and town council: cooperative ceremony and drama in medieval Rouen

Article Abstract:

The civil government of Rouen, France, underwent changing patterns of cooperation with the local clergy in the presentation of ceremonies and dramas. There were many cosponsored events from 1440 to 1470 when the city was returned to French dominion from the English. Earlier times saw few shared events, as the patrician town council clashed with the cathedral chapter.

History, Rouen, France

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