Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.15176/vol51no203
From Theatre to Rite: Rite Re-evaluation of Drama on the Example of Missionary Theatre in the 16th Century Mexico
Ivana Krpan
; Filozofski fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu
Abstract
The article analyses two cases of dramatic representation of the Spanish mysteries within the evangelization practice in the 16th century Mexico. The mysteries were originally designed as a vivid presentation of the Christian doctrine, but when incorporated in the Eucharist and rites like Baptism and Communion, they obtained sacred and rite significance. This work demonstrates and explains the process of dramatization and simultaneous realization of the rite, or rite revaluation of drama, using two examples of this custom within the evangelistic theatrical practice: the case of “performing Epiphany” and “performing Baptism” in the dance of Muslims and Christians. It is based on anthropological studies regarding performance characteristics of the religious rite and its liminality that stimulates the creation of new social and religious structures, and shows the impact of such rite-dramatic synergy in reforming religious identity among the Indian converts.
Keywords
rite re-evaluation of drama, missionary theatre, Mexico, evangelization
Hrčak ID:
130710
URI
Publication date:
15.12.2014.
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