The First and Seventh Joys of Our Lady: Bilingual Texts of Two Dutch Biblical Plays

This edition and translation of the Dutch plays on the Joys of Mary includes the two surviving parts from a cycle of seven which was performed in Brussels for about a hundred years up to 1558. It was a large-scale and prestigious undertaking involving many participants and contributing to the social and religious life of the city. The plays draw upon biblical material and many legendary additions to give a serious and dramatically innovative theatrical experience. Though there were many other cycle plays in Europe at this time this edition provides an insight into a uniquely Dutch achievement.