Die narrative Inszenierung liturgischer Inhalte im Osnabrücker Osterspiel

Abstract

My essay deals with a nearly unknown example of the genre ‘Geistliches Spiel’ localized in the Low German area. The Osnabrücker Osterspiel originated around 1500 and appears to have very conservative structures, because it follows liturgical requirements. A narratological analysis of the speech scenes, the figure staging and the mediator character ‘Regens’ shows that the Osterspiel has the potential of being performed, although there are narrative elements that are reminiscent of a reading version (‘closet drama’). In any case it is clear that the Osnabrücker Osterspiel is no longer primarily concerned with divine salvation, but also attempts to confirm historical truth.