Durham Mysteries will rise again

Sep 3 2009 by Sam Wonfor, The Journal

THEY had more than 80 proposals, but the 10 writers and creatives who will be resurrecting the Durham Mysteries have been chosen, and were revealed yesterday.

Northumberland-based author David Almond, Newcastle-based poet and author Ellen Phethean and Durham-born musician and composer Timothy Craig Morrison are among those representing the North East in the collective that has been recruited to bring a contemporary twist to 10 of the world’s best-known stories.

While Skellig author David Almond will give Noah and the Flood a regional dunking, Ellen Phethean will be working with her DJ son, Fred, to offer an innovative and urban account of the story of Cain and Abel, and Timothy Craig Morrison will be developing his own unique take on The Crucifixion.

One of the earliest forms of live theatre, medieval mystery plays were commonplace across the country back in the 15th Century. Performed in cycles on festival days, they were a simple means of conveying Bible stories – such as the Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah’s Ark, and the Day of Judgment – to a largely illiterate population.

The exciting new event – which is set to take place at locations across Durham over three nights in May next year – will see the creation of a new cycle of Mystery Plays, involving anything from dance, opera and musical theatre, to film and new media.