Drama was
developing in churches where the whole society from the king to the lowest
citizen gathered. It therefore had to cater to the broadest audience; hence its
tendency toward secularity and language understood by the masses.
Two strong undercurrents influenced early drama: Folk plays based on
ancient nature culls and pagan traditions; and classic Greek and Latin drama
which were preserved, at least in rudimentary form, throughout the Dark Ages.
Catholic services were often in the form of drama- with colourful robes,
recitation, singing and acting. Easter and Christmas ceremonies developed into
major dramas in the ninth and tenth centuries. Herod's murderous acts often
became a focal point of Christmas plays with horror and violence.