A Typology of Catalan Play Manuscripts from the Fourteenth to the Sixteenth Century
Francesc Massip|Lenke Kovács
In the study of textual transmission medieval drama, an important focus interest is conservation texts or stage books used in related to performances. late 1980s, different types play manuscripts were classified by Graham A. Runnalls,1 Elisabeth Lalou and Darwin Smith2 and, more recently, Robert L. Clark Pamela Sheingorn3 analyzed performative dimension illustrated manuscripts. It our aim classify extant Catalan plays from fourteenth sixteenth century taking as a point departure typologies established for French drama same period.Belonging Carolingian empire, territory referred Marca Hispanica - future Catalonia was drawn into European theatrical events at very early stage, first all with composition cultivation liturgical plays, later on elaborate productions vernacular. Judging both surviving dramatic records, Easter cycle liveliest most prolific theatre starts thirteenth one earliest Passion whose traditional sequels have survived present day.4 The second group culture that Assumption Virgin,5 four texts, which dates century. Apart these two seasonal centres activity, still performed churches Majorca end preserved Llabres manuscript provide wide range pieces, including New Testament material Nativity Resurrection, well based Old Testament, addition those eschatological hagiographie content.6 Another noteworthy type performance available can be found Valencian Corpus Christi Mysteries,7 seventeenth-century staged 2004 under direction Josep Lluis Sirera occasion 1 1th Colloquium Societe Internationale pour l'etude du Theâtre Medieval Elx.8Until no major attempt has been made examine aforementioned regard they preserved. We hope closer look will comprehensive understanding their genesis, reception transmission.The corpus come down us three which, Smith out,9 had exist, form another, each text put i.e. book manager, organizers responsible stagecraft; actors' roles complete text.The director's copy, Runnalls E, contains 'abbreviated text, large number directions other information actual performance'.10 This kind writing, called consueta Catalan,11 dialogue practically disappears, helps director charge harmonize staging, mainly supervising entrances, gestures movements, prompting lines musical tunes interpretation roles, introducing interludes controlling use tricks special effects. Among this we find 'Notebook Secrets Provencal Stage manager', staging fifteenth-century play,12 abregiets livres de conduite published Gustave Cohen,13 Frankfurter Dirigierrolle Play Frankfurt.14Only example copy traced speaking area, Mystery Cathedral Valencia. …
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