The 31st Annual Christmas Revels:
A Revels Christmas In Wales

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!

This year, the California Revels is “coming home” to Wales. Even though we've never been there before, there is much about Welsh culture and customs that feels familiar and comforting. Set in the 1920's childhood village of the great Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, our show will evoke the spirit of family gathered ‘round the hearth, and villagers singing in the glow of the blazing yule log.

Of course, we'll venture from the warmth of the parlor for adventures out and about in the chill winter night as we follow mummers and carolers from house to house through the village. As we do, we will encounter the rich tapestry of characters that make the Welsh people so famously colorful. The children of the village are central to our visit as they embrace and reflect the traditions of old in their games, songs and dances. And, speaking of dances, it wouldn't be a trip to Wales without energetic clogging, graceful couples dances, and a fierce dose of Border Morris.

There will surely be mummers, and a bit of Welsh Bardic storytelling—the Welsh, of course, are a nation of poets—and harps, pipes and fiddles. We even expect a visit from a dark and mysterious ghost horse, the Mari Lwyd. As you may expect, all of this tuneful excitement comes studded with the Revels touchstones including The Abbots Bromley Antler Dance, Sussex Mummers' Carol, and The Lord of the Dance. And one thing more… there will be dragons!

Featured performers this year include Robert Sicular, Kevin Carr, Susan Rode Morris, James Galileo and Margaret Davis.

Join us at the breathtaking Scottish Rite Theater on Lake Merritt in Oakland, and fill your holiday season with celebration and joy!

Fred Goff

Fred has been the Musical Director for California Revels continuously since the late '80's. He brings to bear his extensive knowledge of composers and composition in researching and arranging music for the Revels choruses and the Brass ensemble as well. Fred also participates in production as a lead singer in the Adult chorus, frequently performing solos and in small ensembles. This year he will again assume his role as audience leader. teaching and leading Sing We Now, as well as the customary Dona Nobis Pacem and Sussex Mummers' Carol.

Shira Kammen

Shira is a noted violin and vielle player and leads a number of small early music ensembles. She is very much in demand as a performer and teacher and is constantly flying around the country and the world, doing concerts and workshops. As often happens, she is once again providing original compositions for this year's Christmas Revels. We are very excited about her setting of The Weaver and the Factory Maid. It will be the musical context for the dance in which the Ladies of the Chorus and the Young Performers join together. We are also revisiting her choral setting of the lovely Manx Lullaby. Shira performs in the show, and will be joining Kevin Carr in playing a duet of Crwths.

Seating Chart

This seating chart reflects the general layout for the venue. See specific seat locations on each the ticket page for each performance.

Click on the chart at right for a larger view.

Parking near the Scottish Rite Theater