The York Guilds and Companies are to mark the 60th anniversary of the revival of the York Mystery Plays with an evening of celebration at Bedern Hall next Wednesday.
York Mystery Plays: Words And Images will combine archive film footage and photographs with readings, and the 7.30pm gathering is preceded by an immediate call for memorabilia for the event.
Images from the earliest productions of the plays – both on a fixed stage and on wagons – are to be displayed, as are the official photographs of the 1954 production by York photographer Will Acton, courtesy of Paul Acton with the assistance of Peter Stanhope.
Readings of the words of those who revived the plays as part of York’s contribution to the 1951 Festival of Britain will be included, along with archive footage from the Yorkshire Film Archive showing behind the scenes at the 1951 and 1954 performances.
In addition, past directors and performers will bring to life the words of those charged with creating recent productions of the plays.
Guilds chairman Roger Lee says: “The Guilds of York have ensured the continuation of the plays with the 2002, 2006 and 2010 productions and we’re pleased to be presenting this celebration of this important living history of the City of York.
“We’re very interested to hear from people with their own stories, photographs, and memorabilia and would welcome such items being made available at the event. This is a free event, but we do ask that people register to attend.”
For more information, send an email to info@yorkmysteryplays.co.uk
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