Revels
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A revel is a type of celebration or festival, involving dancing, costumes, and general merrymaking.
John Langstaff founded the 'Revels (now performed at Christmas in 9 cities across the country and in the Spring and Summer in many locations) with the first "Christmas Revels" stage performance taking place at Town Hall in New York City in the late 1950's. He and his daughter Carol started producing "The Christmas Revels" again in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1971, at Harvard University's famed Sanders Theater, where it has played to sold-out houses ever since. Revels troupes are active across the United States, with four in the northeast region of the U.S.
Revels includes, echoing English precedent of the 16th century and earlier, costumes, singing, dancing, recitals, theatrics (usually as brief skits, often humorous), and usually some audience participation, all appropriate to the season. Performers are usually local, often non-professional, and frequently young. Professional singers, actors and musicians are mixed with talented amateurs and tradition-bearers, often brought in to share a culture's music, dance or ritual in an authentic manner.
The tradition has been moved to many other American cities, and there exist songbooks, production guides, and commercial recordings to assist those unfamiliar with ancient folk music and dancing.
Until his death, Langstaff, assisted by members of his family, led or assisted several of the Revels organizations in various cities. See also Master of the Revels.
