Final answer:
The statement about medieval wandering minstrels is true; they performed varied entertainment including music and acrobatics and played instruments like harps and fiddles, reflecting their significant role in the cultural life of the time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement about wandering minstrels, or jongleurs, of the Middle Ages is accurate. They performed music and acrobatics, lived on the margins of society, and played various instruments.During the Middle Ages, after the fall of the Roman Empire, Europe underwent significant changes. Theatre and public performances faced opposition from the Christian Church for being immoral. Despite this, theater survived in different forms. Secular dramas experienced a rebirth outdoors, alongside the religious plays put on by churches in public spaces such as courtyards and squares. Eventually, scenes and stories were transported using pageant wagons, creating a traveling form of theatrical presentation.
Minstrels, or jongleurs, were itinerant performers who adapted to this society where permanent stages were absent. Their repertoire included music, acrobatics, and instrumental dances, showcasing their talent with instruments like harps, fiddles, and lutes. As the theatrical traditions developed, others forms of entertainment, including masques and mummers' plays, emerged. These plays featured themes from agricultural life and incorporated community entertainment traditions. Thus, the minstrels played a crucial role in the cultural life of medieval society despite their low social status.