REJOICE WITH THE
CALIFORNIA REVELS!
By Matt Larson This performance company takes an innovative approach with
their holiday entertainment
Over the years many of us here in the East Bay have
made a holiday tradition out of attending Christmas
Revels, an all-inclusive holiday show produced and
performed by the California Revels. Their show changes
every year, but their mission of strengthening their
community and enlightening society through the spirit of
togetherness remains the same.
“I think it’s important to offer audiences a chance to
participate in events that give them a sense of history
and inclusion,” said Artistic Director David Parr. “It is a
powerful remedy to a cynical world that tries so hard to
isolate and wall us off from each other.”
Every mid-winter the Revels provide us with a grand
celebration of traditions and cultures from around the
world, with joyful singing, dancing and storytelling for an
uplifting turn of the year. “It gives you hope in the darkest
part of the year, but not in a religious way,” said Ellin
Barret who is a member of the California Revels Advisory
Council. “We have people of all faiths that come, people
of all cultures, people who don’t speak English at all but
still enjoy the show.”
Last year’s Christmas Revels celebrated the Scottish
culture with their production of A Scottish Celebration of
the Solstice. This year, the 33rd Annual Christmas Revels