Crossing the Line: Transgression and Communion in the Croxton Play of the Sacrament
Date
2008
Authors
Geldenhuys, Katharine L.
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
The Southern African Society for Medieval and Renaissance Studies (SASMARS)
Abstract
The East Anglian Croxton Play of the Sacrament is extant in only one manuscript: Trinity College, Dublin, MS F.4.20 (Catalogue No. 652), folios 338r–356r. The modern appellation of the “Croxton�? Play is due to the internal reference in the banns which states that the performance will take place ‘At Croxston on Monday’ (line 74). The Croxton referred to is most likely the one in Norfolk, two miles north of Thetford. Another internal reference to ‘the colkote . . . / A lytyll beside Babwell Myll’ (lines 620–21) indicates that this miracle play would have been performed in the vicinity of Bury St Edmunds (Suffolk), which is some fourteen miles from Croxton. Gail McMurray Gibson has, however, convincingly argued for the plausibility of the play being originally intended for performance in Bury St Edmunds. This non-cycle drama was likely written after 1461 for performance at the feast of Corpus Christi (introduced to England in the 1320s).
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Keywords
Middle Ages -- Periodicals. , Renaissance -- Periodicals. , Middle Ages. , Renaissance.