English Folk Drama - Sample Texts
Sample texts
When thinking of performing or publishing a play, thought must nowadays be given to some of the content, because ethical standards have changed since the time when they were first performed. This is particularly pertinent if the plays are to be used with children.
A close inspection of the text will show that these problems are usually easily fixed. The most common example is that derogatory terms are used in the argument between St. George and the Turkish Knight or King of Egypt, such as when he calls him 'you Black Morocco dog'.
In a different potential problem area, the themes may be a little too adult. In the Plough or Wooing plays, for example, one of the regular minor motifs is that a female character accuses the Fool of being the father of her bastard baby.
We have given the texts as originally noted down. It is up to you to alter whatever you think might nowadays be regarded as offensive.
You can download five play scripts from the PDF tab at the top of this panel. The plays are:
1. Plough Monday Play
2. Preston Candover Play
3. Ripon Sword Dance Play
4. West Marden Tip Teering Play
5. Robin Hood Play
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