"Dramatis personae: the rise of medieval and renaissance theatre, the third volume in the series, resumes the narrative after the disappearance of Greek and Roman drama. The book traces the return of religious theatre and ritual, with Passion Plays, Mysteries and Moralities taking over classical dramas. Folk farce flourishes throughout the Middle Ages, while the Renaissance in Italy sees the revival of classical works, producing whimsical new dramatic forms, as well as exalted musical innovations culminating in resplendent operas and ballets."--Inside jacket.