Two French mercenary knights set out on a quest for relative moral redemption against the classic comic background of late 14th century ecclesiastical politics. A story of friendship, love, noble feats of arms, indiscriminate brutality, the progressive refinement of medieval table manners and the general decline of the chivalric ideal at the onset of the Great Papal Schism of 1378.
What is the Story of Medieval Play?
Set in France in the early 14th century, Medieval Play is the comic story of Sir Ralph, a mercenary knight who dreams of the chivalric ideal, but spends his days murdering villagers and pillaging their homes. Sir Ralph enlists his friend, fellow knight Sir Alfred, to help search for true meaning in their lives on a wacky pilgrimage complete with swordfights, sex, spitting on the floor and using the bathroom pretty much wherever they feel like it. On their journey, the knights meet a variety of kooky medieval characters including Catherine of Siena, Cardinal Robert of Geneva, Pope Clement VII, Pope Gregory XI and more.
"[Medieval Play showcases] the stamina, commitment and comic inventiveness of a plum-filled cast that features Josh Hamilton and Tate Donovan as two none-too-bright knights in search of a cause to live by.”"
The New York Times
Ben Brantley
"Walt Spangler's comic-book set is well suited to Mr. Lonergan's daffy purposes, and the cast has itself a fine time, especially Ms. Burns, who clearly relishes playing a potty-mouthed saint."
The Wall Street Journal
Terry Teachout
"[Medieval Play] comes to life with Lonergan’s trademark wry snap…"
New York Daily News
Joe Dziemianowicz