Teaching Medieval Drama and Performance (colloquium)

Directed by Theresa Coletti (Professor of English at the University of Maryland), this 2016-2017 yearlong colloquium welcomed advanced scholars whose research and pedagogical practice explores historical, literary, and theoretical dimensions of medieval drama from the perspective of performance. Some sessions included workshop opportunities and visiting contributors; participants’ own research projects shaped others. Questions addressed included: what is the role of medieval performative practices in the contemporary teaching of medieval drama? What classroom opportunities are offered by a focus on medieval performance? What archival resources—and in what forms—might facilitate this focus or mitigate common challenges?

Performative practices were broadly construed and participant contributions included practical experiments and applications in the college classroom. The articles linked below showcase discoveries and point to ways that new approaches may be adapted to a variety of teaching settings.