The Ordinalia is being played in St Just at the Plain an Gwarry.
“The Ordinalia Cycle of scripts and stage plans consist of 3 plays written in the late 14th century: The Creation of the World ; The Passion , and The Resurrection. The aim of the original performances was to impress the Christian bible stories on the local population, and so they were performed by local people, with local place names, jokes etc. to have general appeal.
The three plays together cover the whole scope of the bible stories from the beginning of the world to doomsday.
The plays, although similar to the mystery plays of the North of England, are unique to Cornwall and an important part of its heritage. They are the oldest surviving trilogy of theatrical plays in Britain.
St Just’s Plen an Gwari is the oldest working open air theatre space in Britain.
Under the autumn sunsets and the dark skies of West Cornwall, we are creating a true celebration of Cornish cultural life. We have assembled a company of professionals, semi-professionals and talented volunteers who are creating a community led production in an historic setting – supported by a core group of people who were involved with the 2000 – 2004 productions.”
Last night we went to see the first play of the trilogy, Origo Mundi and it was fabulous, so full of life and humour. Enjoy a taste through the photos. If you live locally, there are still tickets available for the last few shows this week.
The apple tree
The fabulous Ark
The burning bush is so bright, God needed sunglasses.
The burning bush is so bright, God needed sunglasses.
The parting of the Red Sea
This morning we went to Kresen Kernow to see the exhibition of the original Ordinalia texts – what a treat!
In the grounds were some Buddleia bushes, alive with butterflies.
