Sixt Birck’s school theatre: education and theology in the era of the Reformation

Abstract

ABSTRACT The article analyses the theatre of Sixt Birck, an evangelical teacher of the Reformation era, within educational and practical pedagogical background of the period. It is proved that in Basel, when school reform was in process, Birck, having studied Melanchthon’s commentaries on Terence and Quintilian’s theory of imitation and become familiar with city theatrical performances, formulated his own original pedagogical view on theatre. It united widespread ideas of ethical nurturing and encouraged theatrical practice (not reading of dramas). This was quite unusual for humanists and seemed to be connected to the special role of the St. Theodor school in Kleinbasel. However, after moving to his native city of Augsburg, Birck had to adapt his theatre to new cultural circumstances and educational aims. Since the programme of St. Anna gymnasium was planned as a quasi-university structure with special focus on law, history and languages, school performances allowed it to synthetically combine different skills and knowledge. Besides, the theatre was aimed at inspiring pupils to learn. However, after 8 years of successful practice Birck’s curriculum with its explicit theatrical component was banned. Despite his unfortunate career, his dramas were quite influential and his ideas may be seen as precursors of those of Jan Amos Comenius.