I do not celebrate Christmas, but I am particularly excited about Washington Revels' 2011 "Christmas Revels" production, "Andalusian Treasures."
Why am I excited about a production with "Christmas" in the title, when I don't celebrate the holiday? Well, because this year's show is definitely NOT a Christmas show!
This year's December Revels is a new production, and is unique in its deliberate focus on the notable periods of coexistence among Jewish, Muslim, and Christian peoples in Adalusian Spain.
Well then, why call it "The Christmas Revels?" Because: Washington Revels is an affiliate of Revels, Inc., based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The title "The Christmas Revels" is trademarked and applies to the December show in all Revels cities across the country. None of the Revels cities are allowed to change that.
As a celebration of the winter Solstice, the most obvious traditions tend to be Christmas traditions, and the first "Christmas Revels" included many Christmas carols and Yuletide traditions, mostly from England. Since the first Revels, in 1971, the production has expanded to include many other traditions, and is based in different countries and different ages each year. They are SECULAR theater productions, not Christmas pageants, although I will grant that some years are more inclusive than others. I am Jewish, I have been attending and enjoying "Christmas Revels" performances since 1997.
As a celebration of the winter Solstice, the most obvious traditions tend to be Christmas traditions, and the first "Christmas Revels" included many Christmas carols and Yuletide traditions, mostly from England. Since the first Revels, in 1971, the production has expanded to include many other traditions, and is based in different countries and different ages each year. They are SECULAR theater productions, not Christmas pageants, although I will grant that some years are more inclusive than others. I am Jewish, I have been attending and enjoying "Christmas Revels" performances since 1997.
Washington Revels present "Andalusian Treasures: Jewish, Arabic, and Spanish music, dance and drama."
Two adventures... three ancient cultures... four hundred years of treasures!
This December travel back in time more than 1000 years to al-Andalus to experience the music, dance and drama of three great cultures – Sephardic, Arabic and Iberian – in one great country as Washington Revels celebrates the art and music of this unique time.
Joined by Flory Jagoda (one of the top Sephardic singers anywhere), special guest ensembles Trio Sefardi and Layali El Andalus, we’ll celebrate with poignant Sephardic and Arab-Andalusian music, lively Spanish folk dances and songs, a Hanukkah celebration, a North African “Saidi” or Tahtib cane dance reminiscent of Morris dancing, as well as traditional Revels favorites.
Eight performances over two weekends, 12/3-4 and 12/9-11 at Lisner Auditorium.
Learn more and ORDER TICKETS at http://revelsdc.org/
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