This is a medieval mystery play of Roman Catholic Christian origin
(translated from the French and Latin text) produced
in the middle of
the twelfth century (circa 1150s CE). It is designed to teach the story
of the creation of man (and woman), and of the Fall, which lost Eden
(Paradise) and immortality to humankind, and more importantly, the
blessing of the presence of, and communion with GOD Himself, our
Creator.
Both Adam and Eve swear fidelity to GOD's service. Adam drives Satan
away, but Eve listens and finally falls prey to the temptation of the
Serpent, to eat the forbidden fruit (of the Tree of the Knowledge of
Good and Evil), and so to become GOD's coequals and rulers of all the
world. They are driven from Paradise, and gain their living with great
difficulty. They are eventually dragged off to Hell. Cain and Abel's
story is acted out, as well. A procession of the future prophets come
and speak, and the future coming of the Saviour (Jesus Christ) is
foretold, along with the promise that He will bring them out of Hell
when His time comes.
The play ends rather abruptly. It is a good
development of the Biblical
exegesis of the Fall and Redemption's promise throughout time. The
development is not exactly as expounded in the Bible (as, Adam dies
before Cain kills Abel), but it is very close, and would be an
excellent explanation and development for the (largely) illiterate and
unschooled
audiences for whom it was intended.