Play of Daniel - Balthasar’s Feast

The Play of Daniel, or Ludus Danielis, was originally created in the late twelfth century by “the youth“ of Beauvais, meaning the boys and young men who made up the cathedral choir. Probably performed for the Feast of Fools on January 1, it tells the story of Daniel, the mystery of the handwriting on the wall, the downfall of King Balthasar, and the terror of the lions’ den. The text of this performance is based on an early thirteenth century manuscript from Beauvais, France (British Library, Egerton MS 26