Morality plays and morality themes from "summary" of Studies in the Chinese Drama (Classic Reprint) by Kate Buss

Morality plays are a form of theater typically used to convey religious teachings or moral lessons. They draw attention to the consequences of actions, and demonstrate how good and bad choices can lead different paths in life.

In many cases, morality themes were central to the events on stage, with conflicts between virtues such as courage and wrath, loyalty and pride, justice and greed.

Performers in morality plays did not have any lines but relied on props and scenes in which people acted out their emotions; they sought to show repentance, pure devotion to God, etc., whether it was through facial expressions or body language.

This type of theater went beyond the entertainment purpose that other productions had; its main goal was to impart messages of right and wrong, making sure they stuck with the viewers, particularly those who could not read or write.

Popular during the Middle Ages, these plays often took characters from popular stories or based them on real historical figures, acting as a cautionary tale for their audience.

In some cases, pieces like 'Everyman' would include allegorical characters as Death, Good Schrift and Doctor-Who-Can-Do-No-Good. As the story progresses, the hero learns how to choose between Heaven and Hell.

These plays frequently included sea battles, justice court hearings, arguments in bedrooms, debates in councils, and more, all representing the dangers of human vanity and vice.

The genre is linked to literature and art, however, also eternal ethical issues remain the same: man's relationship with God, loyalty, truthfulness, courage and other virtues our society holds dear will always exist in some form.