Bidermann, Jakob (1578–1639)

German Jesuit dramatist. He was the leading exponent of Jesuitendrama (‘Jesuit drama’), religious plays based on stories from the Old Testament and lives of the saints. Though predominantly educational and propagandist in intent, they exerted a powerful influence not just in Germany, but throughout Europe.

His most famous plays, written in Latin, were Cenodoxus 1609 and Belisarius 1607.

Born at Ehingen, near Ulm, and educated at Augsburg, Bidermann became a Jesuit in 1594. For eight years he was in charge of dramatic activities in the Jesuit school in Munich, before being sent to Dillingen University and finally to Rome, where he died.