Revels

CONTACT:

80 Mt. Auburn Street
Watertown, MA 02472
(617) 972-8300x25
www.revels.org

Gayle Rich, Executive Director

DESCRIPTION:

For over 30 years, especially in the holiday season, Revels has brought the world to the stage. Its mission is to promote appreciation and understanding of traditional music, dance, drama and ritual from around the world. It does this through musical theater, workshops, recordings, songbooks and communal celebrations.

Since 1971, our local Revels has been best known for its "Christmas Revels," a performing arts celebration of the winter solstice. It attracts an audience of over 25,000 each year. In 1974 Revels introduced "Spring Revels," and made it an annual event in 1998.

"Tradition-bearers," performers who have extensive knowledge of or live in the traditions featured, are focal points of each performance. Audiences join in some of the singing and dancing, allowing them to share in these fully staged productions.

Revels has connected with the community in other ways as well. It helped launch 11 affiliates around the country, and two collaborations with local schools. Several years ago, it began a long-running partnership with the Perkins School for the Blind in Watertown, and in March it launched a two-year partnership with the Boston Renaissance Charter School. It plans to work with a new school every two years and to provide each school with the tools needed to produce an annual show even after the partnership has ended. Here is an energetic, entrepreneurial organization that can well use your support.

(2001: CULTURE: Arts: Performing: Music and Dance)