Theatre / News
Medieval play to be performed for first time in 500 years
A medieval barn dating back almost seven centuries is set to host the performance of a medieval play for the first time in more than 500 years.
Winterbourne Medieval Barn was built in 1342 and is described as “an extraordinary survivor of our medieval past”.
The Life of Job is a biblical poem from the 15th century and would have originally been performed at a medieval feast accompanied by music, dramatics and dance.
The project to bring the play back before a modern audience is headed by Dr Cathy Hume, an associate professor in medieval literature at the University of Bristol, and is part of a wider research fellowship examining lost or neglected medieval biblical poetry.
The production on Friday will try to replicate how an original performance might have looked, with narration, music, mime, and dance to be performed all while the audience digs into a medieval-style communal meal of pie and mash.
Winterbourne Medieval Barn was built in 1342 just a few years before the Black Death swept across England – photo: Winterbourne Medieval Barn
Under the fitting backdrop of the Winterbourne Medieval Barn, attendees can expect an immersive and authentic Middle Ages experience.
Hume has been working on adapting the poem for over a year and feels it important and lastingly relevant to a modern audience.
“Medieval biblical poems were once at the heart of English literary and religious life, but many have been forgotten or overlooked,” Hume said.
“This project is about reclaiming that rich cultural heritage; making it accessible, performable, and meaningful for today’s audiences.
“Many of the themes of loss, endurance and community in The Life of Job still resonate strongly today.”
The Life of Job is being performed at Winterbourne Medieval Barn at 7pm on Friday. For tickets and more information, visit www.winterbournebarn.org.uk/event/the-life-of-job
Main photo: Mark Dawson
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