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Review of 2005 Christmas Revels

by Celia Sharpe

Despite the latest American fuss to command the use of the word "holiday" instead of "Christmas", the true spirit of the season is still safe in places in the world where the celebration encompasses all of the varieties of the Yuletide. From the icy regions and warm firesides of Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Karelia, the Christmas Revels at Lisner Auditorium brought forth both the Christian and Pagan traditions in song, dance and folk tales.

The huge Revel chorus and actors were joined by the Karelian Folk Music Ensemble which performed ancient epic songs on traditional instruments. Additional excitement was honed by the national dance champions of Norway who gave a stunning performance of an athletic Nordic folk dance. Revels' tradition included the spirited "Lord of the Dance" (as audience hand-to-hand moved to the lobby for intermission); the collective rounds of "Dona Nobis Pacem"; the exuberant "Welcome Yule" to commemorate the shortest day of the year; and the final Sussex Mummers' Carol that set the holiday run.

This year an added surprise was the stupendous puppet of the "water mother" that passed over the heads of the audience to the stage that surpassed anything in the "Lion King". The St. Lucia Day procession of white robed children with candles in head wreaths evoked the sacredness of the season while drinking songs and pagan legends reminded us all of our earthly ties. Like magic, the entire cast of 100 plus performers encircled the audience for a final burst of group singing and dancing. One wishes that the whole world come come together is such a peaceful community through understanding each other's cultures that Revels brings to the stage each year.

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