Everyman in the Circus of Life

by Travis Tyre

Retelling of the medieval morality play in a contemporary circus setting. 16 characters (with doubling, may be played by 4). 40 minutes. 6th to 12th grades. With an extensive resource guide covering medieval theatre history, rehearsal activities, and the text of the original Everyman . $ 6.95

Everyman is one of those enduring dramas of the past that encourages creativity from directors, actors, and set designers. It can be and has been set in many different time periods and locations without detracting from its language and ideas. In whatever setting, the play offers an exciting challenge to delve into its timeless themes, and gives modern actors a glimpse of medieval life, society, and theatre.

Everyman in the Circus of Life is a contemporary retelling that combines the fun and skills of circus performance (an attractive "come-on" to teenagers) with the exploration of one of the great dramas of the medieval world. All the characters remain, but they have become figures in a circus. Death is the ringmaster, Worldly Possessions a juggler, Strength a weight lifter.

This New Plays edition of Everyman opens with an extended essay covering the background of medieval theatre from its beginnings in the church and its development into miracle plays, mystery cycles, and morality plays. It also includes the original Everyman, adapted by Travis Tyre to make it accessible to the modern reader. A marginal gloss provides modern definitions of unfamiliar terms that have been retained to keep the rhyme and rhythms of the original.

This edition, giving access to both versions, and including rehearsal activities and games to help actors make connections with the play and sharpen their performance skills, may provide a semester of study of drama in a middle or high school. Everyman in the Circus of Life also lends itself to street theatre and performances in church, and, using the creative doubling that brings it down to a cast size of 4, it becomes an ideal touring show, a rich and rewarding opportunity to see how our past can illuminate our present.