1. Early Medieval Theatre (5th-10th Century):
- Liturgical Drama: In early medieval theatre, liturgical dramas were often performed within churches. Actors wore religious vestments, such as chasubles, copes, and dalmatics, to represent biblical characters.
2. Mystery and Morality Plays (11th-16th Century):
- Angels and Saints: Actors portraying angels and saints wore white or light-colored tunics, often adorned with gold trim and wings.
- Devils and Vice Characters: These characters were often depicted in dark and grotesque costumes, using masks or facial makeup to create a demonic appearance.
- Allegorical Figures: Actors representing abstract virtues, vices, or personified concepts wore symbolic costumes that reflected their allegorical meanings.
3. Secular Theatre (Late 14th-16th Century):
- Farces and Comedies: Actors wore costumes appropriate to the roles they played, such as peasant clothing, noble attire, or costumes representing specific occupations.
- Courtly Spectacles and Masques: These lavish entertainments featured elaborate and fantastical costumes, often influenced by classical mythology or Arthurian legends. Actors might wear richly decorated garments, armor, helmets, and masks.
4. Travelling Theatre Troupes (Late Medieval and Renaissance Periods):
- Variety of Costumes: Actors carried a range of costumes to adapt to different roles, from noble characters to peasants, servants, and comic figures.
- Limited Resources: Due to the itinerant nature of these troupes, costumes might be repurposed and altered to fit different plays.
5. Guild Regulation:
- Medieval guilds, which oversaw various crafts, including theatre, had specific rules and regulations regarding costumes and props. These regulations aimed to ensure a consistent and appropriate representation of characters.
6. Symbolism and Allegory:
- Medieval theatre often employed symbolic elements and allegorical characters. Costumes reflected these symbolic meanings and helped convey complex theological or moral ideas to the audience.
7. Social Status:
- Costumes also conveyed social status and hierarchy, with elaborate and luxurious outfits reserved for noble characters, while simpler garments represented lower social classes.
It's important to note that medieval theatre was diverse, with variations in costumes across different regions and cultures throughout the period. These descriptions provide a general overview of some of the costuming practices in medieval theatre.