is called Ancient Mysteries of Andalusia. The story begins in
the year 1600 in Andalusia, Spain, when three individuals from
three different cultures—a Muslim, a Jew, and a Christian—all
happen to meet. Together they hope to find their way back
through time to the era of La Convivencia, a time in which
they believe that all cultures were able to live harmoniously in
a spirit of tolerance and peace.
Aside from the winter solstice, California Revels also provide
a summer solstice celebration, and other cultural events
throughout the year. “I think it’s very important for people to
stay connected to the seasonal changes of the planet,” Barret
said. Experiencing the changing of the seasons is something
that all cultures have in common, and since celebrating
together as a community is such a pillar for what the Revels
stand for, special focus on the seasons is often a common
thread in their productions.
But it’s not all about going to shows to be moved and
entertained, however, as the California Revels also provide for
some pretty amazing theatrical experiences for children and
adults alike. For a child, compared to your average children’s
theater experience, the Revels Chorus has them on stage
with performers of all different ages, even up to their 90s!
It’s a great experience for any child. “I started bringing my
daughter when she was 3, and this will be the first year I bring
my granddaughter,” Barret said. “I’ve really enjoyed seeing
different families grow up celebrating together.”
California Revels is actually part of a reveling network
consisting of nine active Revels companies nationwide. The
first production of The Christmas Revels was in 1971, and
the first Revels group was founded in 1975 in Hanover, New
Hampshire, known today as Revels North. The California
Revels have been with us here in the Bay Area since 1986.
This year’s Christmas Revels will be held Fridays, Saturdays
and Sundays from December 8th-16th at the Scottish Rite
Theater in Oakland. They do have several other yearly events
Photo Credit: Gina Gaiser
that can be found at their website, californiarevels.org, or you
can call them at (510) 452-9334. Tickets for this year’s winter
event go on sale in September. If you’ve never been and
would like to take your family to something a little different
this holiday season, The Christmas Revels would be an
excellent choice.
“We are not the same story every year like the Nutcracker,
we share different stories,” Barret said. “Singing, dancing and
storytelling are traditions that go back very far, that continue
to have value as something you do live, with other people—
not something you watch on a screen,” she said. “That’s what
we’re trying to show.”