Nativity plays (Betlehemské hry) are folk Christmas plays about the birth of Jesus Christ. They originated under the influence of medieval liturgical theatre and have been one of the most widespread folk theatre genres in several localities of Slovakia for several centuries. They are based on the Gospel of Luke, according to which an angel first announced the birth of the Saviour to the shepherds spending the night with their flock. The play enriches this theme with the realities of Wallachian life, while the shepherd motifs are trickled with the theme of bandits.
The actors of the Nativity plays are currently men and boys between the ages of 13 and 60. Experience is passed on through the spontaneous learning of individual roles from previous generations of Bethlehemers (actors in the plays) or written texts.
A continuous tradition of walk-arounds exists, where the Bethlehemers visit individual families and households. The anticipation of their visit by the families is inherent in the Christmas atmosphere. Every household prepares some treats. In addition, Bethlehemers are usually part of the midnight mass in Roman and Greek Catholic churches. Moreover, the performance of the plays has gradually moved out of the traditional space (churches) into theatres, community centres, and squares, where all sections of the community – both performers and audience – have the opportunity to participate.
The plays have retained the traditional script with original characters, as well as the spontaneous cooperation between the actors and the audience, which has been an essential element of the Christmas shepherd’s play for centuries. The plays are organised by folklore groups, civic associations or on their own initiative, by municipalities and parishes organising events themed around the Christmas play about the birth of Jesus. These include the Christmas Shepherd’s Games in the municipality of Lom nad Rimavicou and the Christmas Carols in the town of Detva.
The actors of the Nativity plays are currently men and boys between the ages of 13 and 60. Experience is passed on through the spontaneous learning of individual roles from previous generations of Bethlehemers (actors in the plays) or written texts.
A continuous tradition of walk-arounds exists, where the Bethlehemers visit individual families and households. The anticipation of their visit by the families is inherent in the Christmas atmosphere. Every household prepares some treats. In addition, Bethlehemers are usually part of the midnight mass in Roman and Greek Catholic churches. Moreover, the performance of the plays has gradually moved out of the traditional space (churches) into theatres, community centres, and squares, where all sections of the community – both performers and audience – have the opportunity to participate.
The plays have retained the traditional script with original characters, as well as the spontaneous cooperation between the actors and the audience, which has been an essential element of the Christmas shepherd’s play for centuries. The plays are organised by folklore groups, civic associations or on their own initiative, by municipalities and parishes organising events themed around the Christmas play about the birth of Jesus. These include the Christmas Shepherd’s Games in the municipality of Lom nad Rimavicou and the Christmas Carols in the town of Detva.
Proposal by
Mesto Hriňová, Javorie, o. z., Stredoslovenské osvetové stredisko v Banskej Bystrici
Year of Inscription
2024
Certificate number
CTLK-RZNKD-2023/003
