British Universities Film & Video Council

moving image and sound, knowledge and access

Chester ‘Purification and Doctors’, The

Synopsis
A television performance of the Chester mystery play. It tells how the aged Simeon is finally convinced by a miracle that Christ will be born of a Virgin, how he at last receives the infant Christ in the Temple and composes the ‘Nunc Dimittis’, and how twelve years later the child Christ reveals Himself to the doctors in the same Temple. The production attempts a faithful reconstruction of the pageant-waggon performance in the 1550s, drawing on contemporary Guild records for details such as the gilding of ‘Little God’s’ face, the masked angel with gold braid curls, and the playing of the women’s roles by men. The costumes are based on Biblical illustrations, books, tapestries, and stained glass of the period, and authentic music is provided by three singers.
Language
English
Country
Great Britain
Medium
Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 33 min.
Year of production
1983
Availability
Sale
Documentation
Teacher’s notes are supplied. Copies of the text are available for sale separately.
Uses
Students in theatre and medieval studies.
Subjects
Drama
Keywords
medieval drama; mystery plays; performances

Credits

Director
Meg Twycross
Producer
David Blacow; Michael Bowen
Writer
Meg Twycross

Production Company

Name

Lancaster University Television

Distributor

Name

Lancaster University Television

Email
lutv@lancaster.ac.uk
Phone
01524 593984
Fax
01524 594069
Address
Bailrigg
Lancaster
LA1 4YW
Notes
Formerly: University of Lancaster Media Services Unit

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