A THEATRICAL tradition lost for centuries is to be revived with the rebirth of the Durham Mysteries.

The plays, dramatic interpretations of Bible stories, were popular in the late Middle Ages, when tales such as Noah’s ark and the Nativity were acted out on the city’s streets.

At a time when most people were illiterate, the Mysteries illustrated the battle between good and evil and emphasised Christian teaching.

The original Durham plays are long lost, however, plans are being drawn up to reinterpret the Mysteries for the modern day.

Modern takes on ten Bible stories will be staged at locations around Durham City, such as Millennium Place, the Market Place and outside Durham Cathedral, using forms such as dance, rap and musical theatre.

Hundreds of amateur actors could take part, performing over three days next May.

The Gala Theatre’s Simon Stallworthy, creative director for the Durham Mysteries, said: “We wanted to create a spectacular theatrical event which celebrates Durham’s faith-based history and past but in a contemporary way, allowing religious and non-religious people to have a great day.”

It is thought the plays could be similar to the Manchester Passion, a contemporary retelling of the last hours of the life of Jesus staged on the streets of Manchester in 2006.

The Mysteries project, part of the culture10 programme, could cost up to £250,000. The Arts Council of England has agreed to provide funding.

The plays are expected to be a major part of Durham’s bid to be named UK Capital of Culture in 2011.

Melanie Sensicle, from the bid team, said she supported the return of the Mysteries and hoped they would become a regular event.

Mystery Plays are still performed in York, where they are a major tourist attraction.

Organisers of the Durham revival are looking for people to suggest ideas that could be turned into the plays. Anyone interested in having a piece of work considered can download a writers’ brief from galadurham.co.uk Mr Stallworthy said: “We want people to be as creative and innovative as they can be. If the idea excites us we’ll do everything we can to make it happen.”

The deadline for proposals is Tuesday, June 30.