Sizing the Scenery

Because these plays were normally performed on pageant wagons, it would be representative to make this performance in as small of a space as possible. Making the scenery seem confining is beneficial to the authenticity of the performance. This current production will not take place on a pageant wagon, but making similar design choices could help. Such as the dimensions of the pageant wagon dictating the playing space, four “support beams” reaching up supporting a covering structure, and having a limited amount of set pieces and props to show simplicity. According to Oxford Reference Online, a pageant wagon is “[a] wagon used as a mobile stage on which were performed mystery plays and related dramas in the Middle Ages. The term is sometimes also applied to a play performed on such a movable stage, usually a mystery play” (ORO “pageant wagon”). The goal, simply put, is to have all the same aspects of a pageant wagon, without it being mobile.




Work Cited:
 Google Images Search: “bright fruit”

Soanes, Catherine, and Angus Stevenson. "Pagean Wagon." Oxford Reference Online. 2nd Rev. Ed. Oxford, United Kingdom: Oxford University Press, 2003. Web.

Fruit on the Tree of Knowledge

Video Clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVtS05uAtSI

Although this video clip does not depict The Fullers' Play: Adam and Eve in Eden, this is good research for how the fruit on the tree should look. The combination of colors and brightness draws attention. The goal is to make the fruit look tempting to pick. If the audience feels they would like to pick a fruit and eat it from the tree, it is the most successful the prop/set can be. Also contrasting these bright colors with the earthy tones used in the tree and the rest of the set, they stand out more drawing in attention to the fruit. Along with the videos the following pictures are good examples of luscious fruit to use as a guideline.




Work Cited:
Google Images Search: “bright fruit”

YouTube “Adam and Eve” video search from ‘ilikefredsavage’

Leaves Used to Cover Adam and Eve

The tree of knowledge should be the center piece for the set, as it is the central conflict. Although to play does not directly center around the Tree of Knowledge, it is still the pivital point of the overall story. In looking at these plays in the York Cycle, it is important to think of the entire story made up of these small plays. The initial story of Adam and Eve leads into the temptation and therefor makes the Tree of Knowledge important. This means the Tree of Knowledge should be the biggest aspect of the scenery. And if the action is played around the tree, it should be exciting to look at. Because of the symbolic nature of the leaves, they should be large fig leaves so they can later cover the private areas of both Adam and Eve. This is one of the most essential parts to the production and should reflect that in performance and presentation.


Work Cited:
Google Images Search: “adam and eve leaves”