The 31st Annual Christmas Revels

“She walked through a theater door and discovered she no longer lived in California, but in a small village in Wales…”

By Robyn Perry, Music Reporter and Ritual Arts Radio Host

[http://californiarevels.org/current_show]

I was given the wonderful opportunity to attend the opening night of this past holiday season’s 31st Annual California Christmas Revels at the Scottish Rite Theater in Oakland on December 9th. I did not know what to expect going inside as I have never been to a Revels before (and I was pretty stressed out from finals as it was the last day of Fall Quarter) but the atmosphere changed entirely as soon as I stepped inside of the theater. The first thing I noticed was the interior of the theater itself, the Masonic architecture was literally breathtaking and I knew it was going to make for the perfect setting to watch such a traditional theater event at.

This year’s Revels were entitled “A Revels Christmas In Wales” and were set in the village of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas who was “narrating” the whole event. Even though I must admit I do not know much about Welsh culture (or language… or poetry… or really anything, now that I think about it), everything still felt familiar and warm. The beautiful singing, in English or Welsh, the dancing, the music, the costumery, the set, and even dragons…  it all told one beautiful story and made me feel the spirit of the holidays and the Yuletide – something I have never felt before. And, of course, it is always wonderful to hear the beautiful music of our good friends Margaret Davis and Kristoph Klover.

Dylan Thomas’ leading a sing-a-long” by Abner Hauge

A portion of the wonderful 2016 Revels Chorus” by Abner Hauge

Even though I felt a sense of familiarity, not only did I have an enjoyable Revels experience, but I learned quite a bit, too! The two things I pulled the most out of this year’s Revels is the wassailing custom of the Mari Lwyd, a ghost-like horse creature that people carry around to others’ homes and request entry through song and/or riddles. The occupants also reply through song or by answering their riddle and if they eventually give up, the people carrying the horse are allowed in and given food. The second tradition I learned of was Border Morris dancing, which was my favorite section of the entire show. The dancers bashing sticks together and the beat of their dancing actually reminded me of the Philippine tradition of tinkling, where long wooden poles are beaten up and down on the ground and dancers move within and without of the middle of the poles to music.

Mari Lwyd” by Abner Hauge

Border Morris” by Abner Hauge

Everything went smoothly and I have no complaints… except for one. On the tickets I received from the Christmas Revels themselves, it specifically said to park at the ALCO Park Garage at 1220 Jackson Street as it is only $5 parking and a short walk from the theater. I followed the tickets’ directions and were told by the parking attendants to be back 10 minutes to 11:00 pm or else my car will be locked up until morning. Well, the Revels ran past 10:45 and I did not want to risk being stranded all night long, so I had to leave about 10 to 15 minutes before the show before it was over. What a shame! You think the Scottish Rite Theater would tell you to park at a place where you can actually stay until the show is over without the threat of your car being locked up til morning!

All in all, my first Revels were absolutely wonderful and I look forward to next year. However, next time I’ll probably just take an Uber so I can actually watch the whole show.