Johan Baptystes Preachynge in the Wyldernesse (1538 Bale), play

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Johan Baptystes Preachynge in the Wyldernesse [aka Saint John Baptist] (1538) is a play by John Bale.

Abstract

The printed edition (c1547-48) describes the play as "a brefe comedy, or enterlude, of Johan Baptystes preachynge in the wyldernesse, openynge the craftye assaultes of the hypocrytes, with the gloryouse batysme of the Lord Jesus Christ. Compyled by Iohan Bale, Anno Domini MDXXXVIII." Anti-papalism, common to most religious plays of this kind in England at the time, here remains merely allusive, with the Pharisees and Sadducees identified only in the epilogue as representing the monastic orders.

Editions

Composed in 1538 and published in 1547-48.

Performance history

Premiered at Kilkenny, Ireland: 1553.

External links