The Penitentials Tickets

The Penitentials were a collection of books compiled by early medieval Christian theologians, which outlined the acts of contrition, penance, and reparation one had to undertake in order to be forgiven for their sins. These texts were particularly popular during the 7th- 9th centuries in Ireland, England, and Wales, and served as a guide for priests who wished to provide pastoral care to their flock.

Theater during this period was a popular form of entertainment and social commentary. The plays staged often drew from biblical stories and themes, focusing on morality and the consequences of sin. As such, plays became an important vehicle through which the penitential teachings could be disseminated to a wider audience.

Many penitential writings explicitly reference theatrical performances as a means of conveying Christian morals and values. In his "Penitential," Theodore of Tarsus encourages priests to use theater as a tool for educating their congregations. “Let the priest teach,” he writes, “not only with words but also by example, in catechizing not only in doctrine but in holy deportment; in that he abstain from everything that savors of vanity according to the apostle; above all, let him flee the theatre that is full of deceitful gestures.”

This suggests that plays were viewed as a medium through which important Christian teachings could be communicated, but also warns against some of the potentially sinful aspects of theatrical performance. The portrayal of moral lessons through drama aimed to educate people in a way that was accessible and entertaining, while still being in alignment with the principles of the church.

Furthermore, in many of the sacramental dramas of the time, characters are often shown undergoing penitential practices as part of their redemption story. For example, the “Cycle of Life and Passion of Jesus Christ” show depicted the life of Jesus Christ beginning with his birth and culminating in his crucifixion and resurrection. The play included scenes depicting characters going through penances, such as Mary Magdalene washing Jesus' feet with her tears. These scenes served to reiterate the importance of repentance and redemption in the Christian faith.

In conclusion, The Penitentials had a significant impact on theater during the early medieval period. Plays became an important tool for conveying Christian morality to the masses. Through theater, people could experience the horror of sin, the pain of penitence, and the joy of redemption in a tactile and emotional way. Theater presented a popular medium for introducing people to complex moral and theological concepts in an accessible and engaging format.