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The Flight to Egypt

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To help you get started, a modern-spelling script of this play can be downloaded by clicking here.
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The eighteenth play from the York Corpus Christi Plays is an intimate conversation between Mary and Joseph, as they flee their home to escape King Herod's wrath. The guild responsible- the Marshals- were farriers, and are likely to have provided a suitable steed for Mary to "ill ride", and "have and hold by the mane". They also had a long rivalry with the blacksmiths, who were accused of impinging on their trade- to the extent of demanding the Smiths contribute financially to their pageant fund.

Performed now, the play has striking resonance with the experience of refugees, with Joseph and Mary seeking asylum.  Whilst this has been played for comedy- taking everything save the kitchen sink- the decisions they make are  familiar to those threatened by dictators and war. Most essential are Joseph's tools, so that he can provide for them in their new home.

The play is based on Matthew 2, v13-15.

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The original script, in 15th Century Middle English, can be found here, courtesy of Prof. Clifford Davidson and the University of Rochester's TEAMS Middle English Text Series.



Young girl and boy in 1940s clothing. The boy is eating an apple as the girl grins and watches.
The Flight to Egypt, from the York Vita Christi (c. 1190)
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