Disability in Medieval and Early Modern Drama

Abstract

This article discusses the study of disability in premodern English drama. It first introduces the history and application of disability studies to early modern drama, initially through the study of Shakespeare. Outlining the importance of Shakespeare’s ostensibly “disabled” characters to the study of historic disability on stage, it focuses in particular on Richard III. Briefly introducing past approaches to the eponymous Richard’s character, the article goes on to outline other characters who have drawn the attention of disability scholars and theorists looking into the period. It then turns to medieval drama and especially medieval English biblical plays, including the “mystery plays.” The article briefly analyzes key passages in biblical drama that have been read in the light of the spiritual or religious model of disability theory. It then discusses other examples of impaired characters in medieval drama whose apparent disability is equated with social, spiritual, or moral alterity. This includes potential “intersectional” examples, such as Jonathas in the unique 15th-century English miracle play, the Croxton Play of the Sacrament. The conclusion reflects on past scholarship while briefly considering potential avenues for future research. These include the study of disability as a literary or social aspect of premodern drama, as well as the potential application of disability studies to modern theory and dramaturgical practice. Throughout, reference is made to approaches and theoretical models that have informed disability studies in the arts and humanities.