We usually encounter the plays of William Shakespeare in their First Folio form. But, what scripts did Shakespeare's actors use originally? And how did they rehearse their shows? We explore the historical and material conditions of performing Shakespeare in his own day--and how to bring that experience to university students today.

Episode Links:

• The Alabama Shakespeare Project
• The Henslowe-Alleyn Digitisation Project
• A working bibliography performance-based research into early theatre

The Pageant Wagon Podcast explores medieval and early modern theatre and drama through conversations with the experts, scholars, teachers, and practitioners who study those eras of theatre history. Join host, Dr. Kyle A. Thomas, as he digs deep into what the plays of the past are telling audiences today.

Should high school students perform Shakespeare? What are the best ways to introduce students to the works of the Bard and guide them through their staging? We examine the place of Shakespeare at the secondary level in American education and how *magic* can unlock a world of possibilities.

What was it like to actually witness a play in late medieval England or Scotland? What were the conditions like when going to see performances? This episode explores the connection between performer and audience in the Middle Ages and how thin such a distinction truly was.

Episode Links:

• The York Mystery Cycle and the Worship of the City by Pamela King

The Restoration Period in English history saw the return of the Stuart Monarchy to Britain and the return of drama to British stages. But how did England restart its theatre industry after over a decade of banishment? And what can we learn today about the fits and starts of Restoration Theatre?

Episode Links:

• The Business of English Restoration Theatre, 1660 - 1700 by Deborah Payne

How should actors, directors, designers, and theatre artists approach performing a medieval play? Can the techniques and aesthetics of Broadway work for plays that are centuries old? Dr. Matt Sergi talks to the pod about his research and work on staging the York Mystery Plays at the University of Toronto in 2025.

Episode Links:

• premodernity.net
• PLS Toronto
• York Plays Toronto 2025
• Practical Cues and Social Spectacle in the Chester Plays by Matthew Sergi

The Blessed Virgin is a common character across medieval drama. But, was she always a symbol of devotion or did her appearance in theatrical performances challenge her sacred status?

Episode Links:

• Virgin Whore by E. Maggie Solberg