California Revels Presents 33rd Annual Christmas Revels Production, ANCIENT MYSTERIES OF ANDALUSIAN SPAIN

For its 33rd year, Oakland's beloved Christmas Revels salutes the season, this time taking audiences to Medieval Spain for "Ancient Mysteries of Andalusian Spain." Performances are on two weekends, December 8-9 and 14-15-16, 2018 at the Scottish Rite Auditorium 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland 94612

Each mid-winter, the Revels brings to life a grand celebration of traditions and cultures from around the world. We create joy with the songs, dances, and stories-present in every culture-that mark the turning of the year in all its forms. We build community and connection through our unique theatrical production, connecting audience and performers, and reminding us that, within our diversity and across generations, there is a beautiful continuity of human experience!

For 2018, our Revels story begins in 1600 in that part of Spain called Andalusia. Three individuals, a young Moorish woman, a Sephardic Jew, and an elderly Castilian happen to meet, each armed with a mysterious clue that is guiding them on a quest. They are all hoping to find their way back through time to the era of La Convivencia, a time when, as they understand it, all three cultures, Muslim, Jewish, and Christian, lived in a spirit of tolerance and peace.

Directed to pay attention to the celestial bodies and swept up in the Revels celebration of the Solstice, they learn how each culture celebrates the Sun, the Moon, and the stars in song dance, poetry, and story. By looking to the heavens, they learn the secret of finding the Convivencia. They come to realize that despite the things that make each of us different and unique, in the end, we all live under the same sky.

As expected, all of this tuneful excitement comes studded with Revels touchstones including The Abbots Bromley Antler Dance, Sussex Mummers' Carol, and The Lord of the Dance.

Order tickets at www.californiarevels.org or by calling the box office at 510-452-9334.
December 8th through 16th, 2018 at the Scottish Rite Auditorium in Oakland, CA.Prices range from $10 -$65; Discounts for both Dec. 8 performances and for Groups of 10 or more.

(510) 452-9334 www.californiarevels.org

Parking for all 10 performances will be available at ALCO Park Garage, 1220 Jackson Street, Oakland (three blocks from the Scottish Rite Center) at a flat rate of $5.

Since 1986, California Revels has brought their unique theatrical, participatory arts form to audiences in the Bay Area. Founded by singer, author, and music educator John Langstaff in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1971, The Christmas Revels crosses religious and ethnic boundaries and appeals to young and old alike. The Christmas Revels blends traditional music, dance, ritual, and folk plays from many different cultures, presented by a large volunteer chorus of children and adults drawn from the community, accompanied by highly talented professional actors, musicians, artists, directors, and "bearers of tradition."

The Christmas Revels is known for music and dance featuring a large, costumed ensemble chorus. This is a shot from the 2017 Revels production whose theme was Celebrating the Solstice in Scotland. Credit: California Revels.

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