Ordinalia

Ordinalia. The Ordinalia is a trilogy of medieval Cornish mystery plays, representing one of the most significant surviving bodies of medieval theatre from the British Isles. Comprising the plays Origo Mundi (The Origin of the World), Passio Domini (The Passion of the Lord), and Resurrexio Domini (The Resurrection of the Lord), the cycle dramatizes Christian salvation history from the Creation to the Ascension. Its survival provides an invaluable window into the religious, linguistic, and performance culture of late medieval Cornwall.

Overview

The Ordinalia is a cohesive theatrical cycle designed to be performed over three days, likely in a round or platea staging area known as a "plain-an-gwary". It synthesizes biblical narrative with apocrypha and legendary material, such as the story of the Holy Rood, creating a comprehensive didactic spectacle for its audience. The work stands alongside other great medieval dramatic cycles like the York Mystery Plays, the Chester Mystery Plays, and the N-Town Plays, but is distinguished by its unique Celtic linguistic and cultural context. Its primary purpose was to instruct the largely illiterate populace in the tenets of the Christian faith and the narrative of scripture.

The Three Plays

The first play, Origo Mundi, spans from the Creation and the Fall of man through the stories of Cain and Abel, Noah's Ark, and the Patriarchs, concluding with the death of King Solomon. The second play, Passio Domini, focuses on the life, Passion, and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, incorporating episodes like the Temptation of Christ and the trial before Pontius Pilate. The final play, Resurrexio Domini, depicts the Harrowing of Hell, the Resurrection, the Ascension, and the sending of the Holy Spirit, culminating in the legendary death of Pontius Pilate.

Authorship and Date

The authorship of the Ordinalia is entirely unknown, though it was likely composed by clergy associated with a religious institution, possibly the Cornish diocese of Exeter or a collegiate church. Palaeographic and linguistic evidence from the surviving manuscripts suggests a composition date in the late 14th or early 15th century, placing it in the era following the Black Death and during the reign of kings like Richard II and Henry IV. The sole surviving manuscript is a later copy from the mid-15th century, now held in the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford.

Language and Style

The cycle is written entirely in Middle Cornish, a Brythonic Celtic language, making it a cornerstone of Cornish literature. The verse employs a variety of metrical forms, including stanzas of eight seven-syllable lines, and incorporates Latin stage directions and liturgical elements. Its style is characterized by a direct, often vivid dramaturgy, with a blend of solemn theology, broad comedy (particularly in the portrayal of characters like Pontius Pilate and devils), and poignant pathos. The text shows possible influences from earlier French and English dramatic traditions.

Performance History

While no contemporary records of specific performances survive, the detailed stage directions within the text indicate it was designed for ambitious community staging, potentially in open-air amphitheatres like the one at Piran Round near Perranzabuloe. Performances were likely tied to feast days, such as Corpus Christi, a common occasion for cycle plays. The tradition of performing the Ordinalia probably declined after the English Reformation and the Prayer Book Rebellion of 1549. In the modern era, the plays have been revived by groups like the Cornish Gorsedh and in productions at locations such as the Minack Theatre.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The Ordinalia is a monument of Cornish culture and a vital source for understanding the medieval worldview in a distinct regional context. It illustrates the vitality of the Cornish language at a time when it was under increasing pressure from Middle English. As a religious dramatic work, it bridges the gap between liturgical drama and fully secular theatre, showcasing the popularization of biblical stories. Its survival allows scholars to study aspects of medieval staging, music, and social history, securing its place alongside other European treasures like the Wakefield Cycle and the works of everyman playwrights.