Who among the following was the immediate predecessor of the drama proper?

Correct option is A

Explanation:

The Interlude was the immediate predecessor of the drama proper in the evolution of Western theater.

During the medieval period, the term “interlude” referred to short plays performed in the intervals between the main performances or meals at royal courts and noble gatherings.

These plays were typically light-hearted, comedic, and often involved humor, entertainment, and allegorical content. Interludes marked the transition from more religious and ritualistic performances (such as liturgical dramas, morality plays, and miracle plays) to the secular, complex dramas that would develop into the Renaissance drama.

The interlude was shorter in length compared to morality and miracle plays, and its content was typically not overly theological or moral in nature. They were more focused on entertainment and social commentary. 

Information Booster:

The interlude was not the work of one single playwright but rather a form or genre of drama that emerged in the 15th century.

Some famous interlude authors include John Heywood, who is known for his “The Four P’s”, a well-known example of the genre.

Interlude is a genre that bridges the gap between medieval religious plays and Renaissance secular drama. It represents an evolution in the content and style of drama, moving away from religious themes towards more human and worldly concerns.

Interludes were often one-act plays that were either performed for royalty or as entertainment during feasts and royal functions.

These plays were light-hearted and dealt with social norms, the behavior of courtiers, and sometimes mocked the nobility.

The interlude arose out of the medieval passion plays and morality plays that were once performed during church festivals, before evolving into more secular entertainment pieces that reflected the growing interest in individualism and secular themes during the Renaissance period.

The interlude laid the foundation for more complex forms of drama in the future.

Interludes were comic, allegorical, and sometimes satirical plays that would take place between meals at courts and events, making them accessible and entertaining to all members of society.

These plays often mocked social behavior, highlighted the shortcomings of the aristocracy, and included songs, dances, and interactions between the characters.

The interlude would eventually lead to the rise of Elizabethan theater and the works of playwrights like Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare, who are regarded as the creators of proper drama in the form we know today.

Additional Knowledge:

The Morality Play:

Morality plays followed miracle plays and were largely religious in nature. They presented moral lessons by personifying virtues and vices. 

The Miracle Play:

Miracle plays were an earlier form of drama that focused on the lives of saints and miracles performed by holy figures. These plays were highly religious and were usually performed in churches or on church property. They were a significant part of medieval drama, they were focused on religious themes.

The Liturgical Play:

Liturgical plays are those that were performed in churches and were part of religious services. These were typically much more formal and ritualistic compared to interludes and were not meant for entertainment purposes. The liturgical play is part of the medieval religious drama tradition, playing a crucial role in the development of early Western theater.