Can you create your own?
To help you get started, a modern-spelling script of this play can be downloaded by clicking here. *** The thirteenth play from the York Corpus Christi Plays deals with the aftermath of the Mary's news. Her husband, Joseph, is understandably alarmed by her sudden pregnancy- particularly when the punishment for adultery is death. His attempt to make sense of the miracle forms the basis of the play, sometimes performed as comedy and elsewhere as domestic drama. It was originally performed by the Guild of Pewterers and Founders, who made pewter utensils and badges. The latter were often associated with pilgrimage, suggestive of Joseph's travels. Where the Annunciation and Visitation focus on women's stories, Joseph's Troubles are concerned with impending fatherhood. Although the play is based on Matthew 1, v.18-25, by the late middle ages there were a number of traditions that have been incorporated into the script. This includes Joseph's old age- emphasising his impotence- and his appointment to marry Mary heralded by a miracle, in which his staff flourished into life. *** 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. |
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