This is an experiment in stylisation. As in the sixteenth century, Mary is played by a youth. The baby (not to mention the dove-birds) is also non-naturalistic.

See Meg Twycross ‘“Transvestism” in the Mystery Plays’ Medieval English Theatre 5:2 (1983) 124–180; Richard Rastall ‘Female Roles in All-Male Casts’ Medieval English Theatre 7:1 (1985) 25–51.

Performed Lancaster, Leeds (Chester Cycle), Chester, 1983. Filmed at Lancaster. [1'40"]
Cast: Joseph David Crouch; Mary John Turner.

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