For hundreds of years ordinary folk in the small Austrian village of Oberufer on the Danube gathered in the local tavern at Christmas time to perform these plays to their neighbours. With their roots lost in medieval times; the plays gradually evolved to incorporate a unique mixture of broad peasant humour and deep reverence in their celebration of the birth of the baby Jesus. The Paradise Play serves as a Preface; presenting the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise; but with the promise of future salvation through Christ. The Shepherds Play follows with its portrayal of the birth of Jesus in a stable where he is sought out by a group of simple shepherds. The Kings Play; the final in the trilogy; depicts the visit of three wise Kings to the birthplace of the King of Humanity; and the murderous measures taken by Herod to try and thwart Jesuss mission. This revised edition of the plays - eminently suitable for amateur and professional companies alike - offers a clear layout of the texts; greatly elaborated directors and make-up indications; stage and lighting directions; and detailed costume designs illustrated in colour.
#1154471 in eBooks 2005-08-01 2005-08-01File Name: B00FF9VV2W
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Thoroughly enjoyed Master ThievesBy pantsI read this after reading Songinis Boston Mob (totally by chance); which turned out to be the perfect intro to learn some background on many of the characters involved in the heist. Kurkjians in-depth knowledge of the case his personal accounts of meetings he had with many of the key players will transport anyone who is familiar with the case or not back in time to when the heist occurred gives an insight to the people involved that will make it feel as if even you know them personally. The addition of Kurkjians own "what ifs" just made this book even more enjoyable. Loved every word.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A Real Who Done It...By Jim BrownStephen Kurkjian developed the characters and lays the groundwork in telling this story. The author; being from Boston and working for the Boston Globe helped to add a personal dimension to Master Thieves. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good crime story.8 of 10 people found the following review helpful. Frustration Reigns Supreme in This Theft With No WinnersBy Bill EmblomThis is a mystery in which there appears to be no winners. The individuals responsible for stealing several valuable paintings from the Gardner Art Museum in Boston havent appeared to benefit from their heist. One of the three suspects is dead; another in prison; and another on the loose. The paintings themselves havent surfaced in the past 25 years and we dont know whether they are still in hiding or damaged. They apparently havent been sold to anyone. It may be risky for someone to hang them in their home. Despite a five million dollar reward for their safe return no one has come forth with a legitimate claim. It was known that the Gardner Art Museum had a very lax security system since 1981 and yet it wasnt until 1990 for the museum to take a hit.Author Stephen Kurkjian has followed this story since its inception and his frustration in not having this crime solved is readily apparent throughout the book. Many different theories are mentioned including the Boston mob. You would think that whoever is responsible for this theft would have achieved their objective by this time. However; frustration continues in this mystery in which even the thieves havent appeared to have benefited and the museum and the public is denied of the enjoyment of these paintings.