Why is Misteri d’Elx important in Catalan drama?

The Misteri d’Elx (Mystery of Elx) is significant in Catalan drama as it represents the beginnings of the tradition in the region. This 15th-century mystery play is a rare and enduring example of medieval theatrical heritage that has been performed annually in Elche (Elx), near Valencia, on the Feast of the Assumption through the turn of the 21st century.1

While the broader European tradition of liturgical drama evolved from 10th-century tropes and moved from church interiors to outdoor public spaces by the 12th century, the Misteri d’Elx stands out as a vital, continuous link to this historical development within the Catalan dramatic canon.21