• Home
  • Discover the Mysteries
  • Create Your Own
  • Watch the Plays
  • Reading Group

The Shepherds

Can you create your own?
To help you get started, a modern-spelling script of this play can be downloaded by clicking here.
***
The fifteenth play from the York Corpus Christi Plays finds a group of shepherds visiting the newborn Jesus. It was originally performed by the Guild of Chandelers (or candle-makers), which offered the opportunity for a great burst of candlelight from the star and angels. However, in the midsummer sun, the effect may have been curtailed- perhaps the link was more symbolic?

Yorkshire's long association with shepherdry has led many directors to cast actual shepherds in the role, although this has its issues. In 1960, one shepherd was unable to attend rehearsals because his actual sheep needed shearing.

***
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.



Picture
Adoration of the Shepherds in the York Millennium Mysteries (2000), designed by Robert Jones, lighting by Michael Gunning)
Young girl and boy in 1940s clothing. The boy is eating an apple as the girl grins and watches.
Two shepherds (James Tyler and Jim Johnson) in the City Centre Churches Nativity (2015)
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Discover the Mysteries
  • Create Your Own
  • Watch the Plays
  • Reading Group