Performing Medieval Narrative

By Evelyn Birge Vitz

This book establishes the importance of the performance traditions of medieval narrative. Moving beyond the familiar dichotomy between oral and written literature, the essays in this volume demonstrate that knowledge of the modes and means of performance is crucial for appreciating medieval narratives, which were preserved in writing, but conceived for and shaped by performance.
Each essay engages a specific issue or work, relating it to larger questions about performance. Part I focuses on representations of the art of medieval performers of narrative. Part II examines relationships between narrative performances and the material books that inspired, recorded, or represented them. Part III studies performance features inscribed in texts and the significance of considering performability. Part IV offers contributions by present-day professional performers who bring medieval narratives to life for contemporary audiences. This book provides the first comprehensive study of performance of medieval narrative. Broad in scope, it covers Great Britain and the continent, and addresses many different genres from the 9th to the 15th century. It engages scholars working on orality, performance, storytelling, music, drama, the material book, public reading, and court life.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1843840391
• ISBN13: 9781843840398
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: Boydell & Brewer
• Length: 278 Pages
• Weight: 1.53 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.4" x 9.6"