While most students returned home over interim, the Hopkins Center hosted "Revels North", a Christmas celebration of story and song, for the local community. For three days, Dec. 16-18, hundreds of families attended matinee and evening shows at Spaulding Auditorium, adding plenty of life to the otherwise serene Hanover.
A tradition that originally started in Cambridge in 1971, celebrated its 20th anniversary in Hanover this year.
Since beginning its residence at the Hopkins center, the Revels North winter production has varied the theme of its shows from medieval and renaissance British traditions to Eastern European, Victorian, English, Italian, Arthurian and early New England.
Though the themes may change every year, a festive, joyous atmosphere is always a consistent element of the shows. David Gay, the Artistic Director of Revels North commented, "The constant focus has been the mid-winter traditions and solstice rituals which are found in all cultures and which still resonate richly in people's hearts."
The performers expressed this sentiment by constantly integrating the audience into the show. At one point, over half the audience took to the aisles, dancing and singing along with the revellers!
The Mellstock Band of England joined a cast of auditioned performers from the Upper Valley for this production, who performed on violins, cellos, clarinets and percussion.
Set in the mid 1800's in Wessex, a conglomeration of the Western counties of England, the performance depicted the traditional county festivities surrounding Christmas and the winter solstice. It focussed especially on writer Thomas Hardy's recollection of his childhood, and the essential qualities of society and life as he envisioned them.
The celebration opened with a scene from the public marketplace on Christmas Eve, with the performers dressed in traditional costumes rushing about the stage. A troupe of actors then arrived on stage and entertained the audience with a carol play.
Other scenes included the traditional wassailing of the trees in an apple orchard and a holiday party in the squire's hall, performed with plenty of vigor and heartiness, much to the audience's delight.
In the spirit of the holiday season, "Revels North" staged an effective depiction of English winter celebrations in the 1800's.
Their blend of drama, storytelling, humor and music was the most remarkable part of the show, which resonated throughout with joy, enthusiasm and energy. Their 20th anniversary performance was a most fitting celebration of Christmas and the new year.
