‘Let Me Have the First Drink’. Two Meals and One Table in the Prague Ludus de cena domini

Abstract

The Prague Ludus de cena domini, the only independent German play of the Last Supper, parallels the scene in Bethany with the Last Supper. Perhaps it was performed at Wroclaw’s city church St Mary Magdalene. In its first part, the plot clearly follows the hymn Laus tibi Christe, which is a troparium of Mary Magdalene. The hymn also explains the connection between the two scenes: Mary’s healing signals Christ’s triumph over death and sin, and the transubstantiation of bread and wine embodies the triumph. Simon and Judas represent heresy and lack of faith. They cannot be saved by the blood and body of Christ, and the Christian convivium is prepared to fight comparable heretics.