In Celebration of the Winter Solstice

Home , Badnjak (Croatian), Jim Horn, Jovano Jovanke

The 37th Annual Production of

In Celebration Of the Winter Solstice Patrick Swanson, Director George Emlen, Music Director Lynda Johnson, Co-Production Manager Virginia Morton, Co-Production Manager

December 14th – 30th, 2007 Sanders Theatre, Harvard University

           *                         

*by special arrangement with Underground Railway Theater Infrared listening devices and large-print programs are available at the Sanders Theatre Box Office Dear Friends, Welcome! We are so glad you are here. After all, it isn’t a show without an audience. As you settle into your seats, know that there are people in nine states across the country all coming to The Christmas Revels. In each of the 78 performances people will join you in singing “The Sussex Mummers Carol,” dancing the “Lord of the Dance,” watching the ancient mummers tradition, and hearing Susan Cooper’s moving poem “The Shortest Day.” The context for the shows will vary as our Revels companies explore Scandinavia, Appalachia, the Slavic countries, Ireland, Medieval, Elizabethan and 19th century England, but the intent remains the same. On this eve we set out to celebrate community both on the stage and in the audience, and to witness the celebration of traditional songs, customs, stories and rituals. Our cast and backstage crew of 80 bring this to you as a labor of love, trusting that you will recip- rocate, and join us in bringing back the light of the new year. If you don’t have the colorful brochure of our season’s activities, please pick one up at the sales table in the lobby. Our next big production will be SummersDay Revels (there is more about it in your program book) along Fort Point Chan- nel in Boston. On the weekend of June 21-22 we will be joined by local performing groups from Boston’s diverse communi- ties to celebrate the longest day of the year. You won’t want to miss it. Between then and now, we will host pub sings, salons, educational programs, tours by Revels Repertory Company, and more. So stay engaged. We hope you will come back to see what else Revels is doing. Gayle Rich Executive Director Join the triumph of the skies, With th’angelic host proclaim, Introduction Christ is born in Bethlehem! Welcome to the thirty-seventh annual production of The Hark! the herald angels sing Christmas Revels in Sanders Theatre! This is a year for traveling, Glory to the newborn king. and we invite you to experience with us the songs, the dances and Mild he lays his glory by, the Christmas and New Year customs of the Balkan region. Born that we no more may die, We fell in love with the sound of Balkan voices a long time ago, Born to raise us from the earth, and have been waiting for the right moment to celebrate the solstice Born to give us second birth. with old friends and world music specialists Libana. On the way to Ris’n with healing in his wings, this production we have been meeting new friends and enthusiasts Light and life to all he brings, for Bulgarian dance, Serbian music, Slovenian folktales, Croatian Hail, the Sun of Righteousness! ritual and generally all things Balkan. A whole vibrant local Balkan Hail, the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! community exists should you be moved to explore these fascinating Hark! the herald angels sing cultures further. Glory to the newborn king. Embedded in the show there are touchstones that are the bed- ALL SING! rock of all our productions and around which this deep river of tradition flows. We hope that you will enjoy the voyage, and we promise 2. We Wish You a Merry Christmas to deliver you back again in enough time for you to join us in sing- English folk song. ing the “Sussex Mummers Carol” as snow falls in Sanders Theatre. We wish you a merry Christmas, Welcome Yule! We wish you a merry Christmas, We wish you a merry Christmas And a happy New Year! The Program : Part 1 Good tidings to you wherever you are, Overture Good tidings for Christmas and a happy New Year! Composed by Tom Pixton, 2007. Now bring us some figgy pudding,      Now bring us some figgy pudding, Now bring us some figgy pudding, Carols of the Season And bring it right here!   |   |    |      We won’t go until we get some, We won’t go until we get some, 1. Hark the Herald Angels Sing We won’t go until we get some, Words by Charles Wesley; music by Felix Mendelssohn. So bring it right here! Hark! the herald angels sing We wish you a merry Christmas, Glory to the newborn king! We wish you a merry Christmas, Peace on earth and mercy mild, We wish you a merry Christmas God and sinners reconciled! And a happy New Year! Joyful all ye nations rise, ALL SING! Dobar Vecerˇ 3. In the Bleak Midwinter Dobar vecˇer dobri ljudi (Croatia) Words by Christina Rossetti; music by Gustav Holst.    j & c œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ œ œ 4. Balkan Carols 2. Good eve - ning, all good peœo - ple here, We Christmas carols in the Balkans celebrate the story of the nativity. 3. We wish you bles - sings on the vine, And U sej vrijeme godišta (Croatia) j (Serbia) & œ. œ œ œ œ Roždestvo tvoje wish you healthœ and alœl good cheeœ r. Maœ y the Bog se rodi (Bulgaria) may you have the swee - test wine. With their   

(Bulgaria) & œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ 5. Stani nine, gospodine new year bring goodœ health for you And Koleda songs are sung by koledari—villagers processing from house wreaths of red and their boughs of green, The to house bestowing blessings on each household: “Get up, master of the house! We are coming, the koledari, and bring blessings on your j house!” & œ. œ œ œ œ The survakari are animal-masked shaman-like figures who cleanse boun - ty fromœ your harœ - vest toœo! And the household by clearing away evil spirits. They carry branches of child - ren join this fes - tive scene! The cornel which puts out yellow flowers in December.    |    |   j U & œ. œ œ œ boun - ty froœm your harœ - vest toœo! (Bulgaria) 6. Koledna blagoslovija child - ren join this fes - tive scene! An itemized blessing for plentiful livestock and a bountiful harvest.   |   |   9. Domakine, sipi vino da piene (Bulgaria) 7. Dobar vecˇer dobri ljudi (Croatia) A koleda from Bansko, in the mountainous Pirin region: “Master of One of many well-wishing koleda songs that are found throughout the house, pour wine for us to drink, because a baby boy is born!” the Balkans: “Good evening, good people, in the new year may you    |    be happy and healthy.”    |    |    10. Dumboko je (Croatia)      A song from the island of Krk in the northern Adriatic: “The sea here ALL SING! (see music on following page) is very deep, but even deeper is my love for you.”  (Serbia) 8. Niška banja (Bulgaria) A joyful homage to the town of Niš, celebrated for its hot springs. 11. Zamucˇi se Boža majka Arrangement by Tom Pixton. This koleda song makes reference to Jordanovden, the day of the Christ Child’s baptism in the Jordan River. On this day young men      |         toss wooden crosses into icy rivers, then dive in to retrieve them, while their elders collect bottles of sanctified healing water on the second carried grapevines and olives to our vineyards, and the third car- river banks. “The Holy Mother labored from St. Ignatius’ Day until ried health and joy to our village. May we have a wonderful Christmas.” Christmas, giving birth to the young Son of God. God was born last   |    night. The Holy Mother took him for a walk by the Jordan River; there she came across Saint John who baptized the young Son of 16. Dance Music from Bulgaria God.” Pravo from the Strandzha region, in southeastern Bulgaria, featur-  |    ing the kaval, an end-blown flute. 12. Hubava Milka (Bulgaria) Rachenitsa, featuring the gadulka, a bowed string instrument A koleda for the young, unmarried girl of the house from the Thrace with resonant sympathetic strings. region, arranged by Nikolai Kaufman. The news of Milka’s beauty Rachenitsa from the Thrace region, featuring the gajda (bagpipe). spreads far and wide. Hearing of her fame and talents, a merchant    from a distant land is determined to capture her heart. He sails his boat to her village and shows her his silks and golden thread, and 17. Moj dilbere (Bosnia) Milka sails away to a new life. “My love, where are you going? Aren’t you visiting me tonight? Are you  |   |    ill or in the arms of another? I’d rather hear you are ill.”  ,  |    |    13. Children’s Songs, Games and Dances (Bulgaria) (Bulgaria) 18. Trite pati and kopanitsa Dobri gosti, koledari Two traditional dances choreographed by Petre Petrov. The arrange- “As much health in this house as there is sand in the sea!” ment is by Yuri Yunakov, Patrick Yacono and Tom Pixton. (Serbia)   |  |    Savila se bela loza      Marko skacˇe (Slovenia) A song and dance learned from Marianne Taylor that recalls the cus- 19. Advice from a Tree tom of marrying a bride from a distant village. A poem* by Ilan Shamir, 1993.      *Used with permission and printed in full in Revels online program at www.revels.og 14. Strawberries in Winter A retelling of a Slovenian folk tale, “The Twelve Months,” by Richard 20. Lord of the Dance Lewis, edited by Patrick Swanson. Sydney Carter’s modern lyrics to the Shaker Song “Simple Gifts” are  :   here translated into dance using a compilation of traditional morris  :   steps by Carol Langstaff, Martin Graetz and Jonathan Morse.  :       ,  |         -       :      |     :  -  :   ALL SING AND DANCE!  :   Dance, then, wherever you may be; 15. Nevijska koleda (Croatia) I am the lord of the dance, said he, A koleda from the island of Pašman, which evokes the mythological And I’ll lead you all wherever you may be, tree of life; arranged by Joško Caleta. “Three little birds flew out from And I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he. a fine olive tree; the first carried grain and wheat to our fields, the Intermission 26. Potancu (Croatia) The sopila is a double-reed instrument used to accompany polka- style dances in the Istria/Kvarner region in the northern Adriatic. Sopile are usually played in pairs, one large and one small. The Program : Part 2     ,  21. Mari zamarknaja (Bulgaria) 27. Pila Neda (Pirin, Bulgaria) “Last night Neda drank some water and swallowed a poisonous Five hundred hajdouks (revered historical Bulgarian freedom fight- snake that was hiding at the bottom of the jug!” ers) are overtaken by nightfall in the wintry forest, without fire or water.   28. Momicˇe (Pirin, Bulgaria) A love song arranged by Kiril Stefanov. “Oh beautiful Momicˇe, how 22. Abbots Bromley Horn Dance did you ever get so beautiful? Did a sculptor sculpt you? Did an artist An ancient ritual dance for good luck in hunting the stag, still paint you?” “Oh no, nothing like that. At the moment of my birth, my danced every year in the village of Abbots Bromley in England. Its mother gazed at a white rose, and I have been as beautiful ever since!” four supernumerary characters link it with the mumming traditions  of Christmas.    29. Erghen deda (Shope, Bulgaria)  Arranged by Petar Ljondev. “An old bachelor grandfather with a ruddy  ,  ⁄   ,  complexion and a fondness for rakiya puts on his hat at a jaunty angle,  ,   adjusts it from side to side and heads off to the village to dance with the     ,   young girls. He’s having a fine old time, but the girls drop out of the  ,  line of dancers one by one, leaving only the youngest one, Angelina.” 23. Što si goro, povjaxnala (Bulgaria)  A traditional melody arranged by Philipe Koutev. “Forest, why have 30. Crven fesic´ (Bosnia) you withered and faded? Last night three chains of young slaves A girl tells her mother about her boyfriend in a little red fez and passed on — it is from grief the forest has faded.” “honeyed lips.” “If he would kiss me, I’d give him all my heart.”  |       |    24. The Tree of Life 31. Dance Music from the Balkans A poem by Patrick Swanson, 2007. (Macedonia)   Žensko cˇamcˇe Sarajevka (Bosnia), named for the capital city 25. Roždestvo tvoje (Serbia) Kukunješcé kolo (Serbia). A church hymn arranged by J. Kindl. “Thy nativity, O Sun of Justice,    hath given rise to the light of knowledge in the world.” New Year bread rituals are shared by many Slavic cultures. In this Serbian tra- 32. Moja diridika (Croatia) dition, the freshly baked loaf is cut into four pieces. Baked inside is a A fun tongue-twister song: “My sweetheart is plowing with oxen; I walnut that will bring good fortune to the lucky recipient. am dancing and singing after him.”         |    Stani Nine 33. More Songs, Dances and Games Stani nine, gospodine (Bulgaria) Oj Ivane Ivanicú (Croatia/Slavonia) “Hey, Ivan Ivanich, stop a little, let’s chat!” b 6 j j j & b 8 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ Baba mi pojde more na pazaro (Bulgaria) 1. Staœ - ni, ni - ne, goœs - po - di - ne, ojœ Granny and Grampa bring home various animals from the market. 2. Ceˇ - ti i - dem, do - bri gos - ti, oj Šetnja (Serbia) 3. Do - bri gos - ti, ko - le - da - ri, oj “Come to our region, Mile, to see what paradise is like!” 4. Ceˇ - ti no - sim, mno - go da - ri, oj    |    |    j bb œ œ œ j 34. Songs and Rounds for All to Sing & ko - lœa - de, mœoj koœ - lœa - deœ! Gjura beli belo platno (Bulgaria) Gjura bleaches her white wedding cloth in the stream, but the muddy water sweeps it away. Dona Nobis Pacem Stani nine, gospodine (Bulgaria) ALL SING! (see music on following page) Dona Nobis Pacem (European) A prayer for peace. ALL SING! (see music on following page) 35. Jovano, Jovanke (Macedonia) “Jovana, you sit by the River Vardar washing white cloth, but your mother won’t let you come to me, my soul, my heart.”   |   |    |    36. Mummers Play A presentation of traditional Balkan material in folk play form by Pa- trick Swanson. There are some familiar Revels figures here — Dyado Koleda (Grandfather Christmas), Veles (the Dragon), Hitur Petur(Cle- ver Peter, a fast-talking trickster character like the Doctor), even Saint George, but the context is very different from the traditional English mummers play. The hierarchy of world order in the Balkan region is represented by a tree of life. Perun is the thunder god at the top, humans are in the branches and down among the roots is a moist underworld.Veles, the dragon, guards the gates to the underworld, and routinely challenges the order of things by stealing Perun’s son and his 37. Shopsko (Bulgaria) cattle. The ensuing battle betweenVeles and Perun ends in a ritual slay- Choreographed by Petre Petrov with musical arrangement by Yuri ing of the dragon, and out of this comes new life in the person of Saint Yunakov and Tom Pixton. George, the bringer of rain (Perun’s son miraculously transformed).   |  |       |       38. Mnogaja leta (Bulgaria/Eastern Europe) The Players A blessing (“forever and ever”) sung throughout the Balkans for celebrations of every kind. David Coffin, songleader The Survachka Children Survakari Debra Wise, narrator Julia Atwood Ottenberg Petre Petrov, leader   |    Petre Petrov, dancer Linnea Coffin Jessi Beaton-Hellman The Koledari Chorus Nica Gottschlich Hawthorne Cristina Corwin 39. The Shortest Day Mirena Bagur*+ Julia Griswold Sarah Hebert-Johnson This poem, written for Revels by Susan Cooper in 1977, has become Freedom Baird* Spencer Griswold Sarah Higginbotham Jacob Kiely-Song Gary Beckmann+ Kim Keown a traditional part of The Christmas Revels performances throughout Laura Brewer Ben Lazenby the country. Amanda Madigan Adrian Nussdorfer Cristina Corwin*+ Erika Roderick Jane Culbert* Hannah Read   Lillian Torrey Deborah Dill* Helena Siu-Zmuidzinas Donald A. Duncan Annaleis Thibault Libana Joe Thibault 40. The Sussex Mummers’ Carol Aine Farrell Lisa Bosley Tim Traversy This traditional carol is sung as an ending to the folk play in Hor- Batsheva Fenster*+ Allison Coleman Lexi Ugelow Chuck Gordon Marytha Paffrath sham, Sussex. In each of the nine American cities where Revels is Susan Wilson Sarah Higginbotham+ Susan Robbins, founder produced annually, this carol is sung with the audience at the conclu- Jonah Yannis Mac Howland* and artistic director sion of each performance. The brass arrangement is by Brian Hol- Jamie Jaffe Mladost Folk Dance Linda Ugelow mes, with descant and final verse harmonization by Ralph Vaughan Jared Kass*+ Cheryl Weber Lynn Kass*+ Ensemble Williams. Kim Keown Andrea Taylor-Blenis, director The Village Band ALL SING! Livia Kingman Alexandra M. Blenis Lisa Bosley, clarinet Jim Lawton* Nicholas Taylor Blenis David Coffin, recorder, Jack McCreless Catherine Casiello pennywhistle, sopila Milva McDonald Vanessa Conlon Ralph Iverson, prim, Jodi Mikalachki* Jonah Goldstein gudulka, tambura, violin Janet Nelson*+ Michaela Gonzales Jack McCreless, prim Haris Papamichael*+ Sarah Hebert-Johnson Marytha Paffrath, dumbek, Lori Renn Parker* Elliot Isen tapan, frame drum Chris Ripman Elizabeth McCreless Susan Robbins, accordion, Michelle Roderick*+ Christopher Murray tambura Evan Steitchik Nathan Paine Jerry Starcevic, bulgarija Erika Roderick Jerry Starcevic Linda Ugelow, double bass Rowan Swanson Gemma Smith Deanna Snow Patrick Yacono, gajda, kaval Lillian Torrey+ gadulka, clarinet, sopila David Torrey+ Jeremy Van Cleave Marty Tulloch Sam Zegas Pinewoods Morris Men Ellen Wilson Kevin Adderer Debra Wise The Kukeri Mummers Frank Attanasio *Niška Banja dancer Sarah Hebert-Johnson, Room Jerry Callen +Moja Diridika dancer Dave Wilson, Owen Callen Grandfather Christmas The Cambridge Adam Cole-Mullen Adrian Nussdorfer, Perun David Conant Symphonic Debra Wise,Veles Brass Ensemble Bill Cronin Rowan Swanson, Tree of Life David Fleischman-Rose Ken Pullig, trumpet Jamie Jaffe, Cow Shag Graetz Greg Hopkins, trumpet Marytha Paffrath, Clever Peter Peter Kruskal Richard Hudson, horn Susan Wilson or Joe Kynoch Philip Swanson, trombone Jacob Kiely-Song, Saint George Eric McDonald Greg Fritze, tuba Dave Overbeck WelcomeYule! Sarah Tenney, timpani Natty Smith Artistic Staff Beverly Dieter, Andrea Dodge, Despina Duane, Susan Elberger, Jean Farrington, Arthur Stage Director : Patrick Swanson Ferguson, Anna Gargas, Mary Gilbert, Luisa Granitto, Jim Greaney, Peter Hamlin, Robert Music Director : George Emlen Hart, Ruth Heespelink, Paul Hillson, Giles Holt, Lois Howry, Julia Huestis, Prudence Directing Fellow : Chris Jorie Humphreys, Susan Hunziker, Susan Jaster, Bill Jones, Caroline Jones, Glen Ketterle, Lynne Set Design : Jeremy Barnett Kimball, Karen Kosko, Deborah Kruskal, Roy Kuphal, Lily Leahy, Nilah MacDonald, Susan Costume Design : Heidi Anne Hermiller Maycock, Jodi Mikalachki, Ursula Mikalachki, Amey Moot, Andrew Olsen, Dylan Palmer, Lighting Design : Len Schnabel Susan Palmer, Julia Parker, Lucia Petrulli, Lori Renn Parker, Christine Reynolds, Paula Sound Design : William Winn Rosenstock, Eileen Ryan, Beth Sager, Bill Sano, Linda Schneider, Katie Shaw, Mary Shaw, Properties Design : Juliet Cocca Rob Shreve, Hart Silverwood, Lilly Siu, Marjorie Spencer, Charity Stafford, Clara Stefanov- Specialty Properties : Seth Bodie Wagner, Phyllis Stefanov-Wagner, Thaddeus Stefanov-Wagner, Anna Stevens, Rika Steven- Make-up Design : Rachel Padula Shufelt son, Kem Stewart, Meryl Stowbridge, Elizabeth Sullivan, Phoebe Sullivan, Laura Swanson, Choreography : Petre Petrov and Michelle Roderick Jana Sweeney, Brendan Tierney, Liv Toftner, Heli Tomford, Bonnie Torkko, George Travis, Children’s Director and Assistant to the Music Director : Sarah Higginbotham Lenore Travis, Matt Travis, Leanne Trefry, Max Troizier-Cheyne, Sue Turner, Julia Vail, Ish- Program and Flyer Design : Sue Ladr mael Stefanov-Wagner, Dan Watt, Molly Watt, Catherine Weicker, Alex Westner, Hannah Woodbury, Alison Woodman, Nell Wright, Sally Zimmerman and Peter Zmuidzinas. Production Staff Co-Producer : Lynda Johnson Thanks Co-Producer : Virginia Morton Many friends and passionate Balkanophiles helped us to create this production. Tatiana Stage Manager : Elizabeth Locke Sarbinska in particular was our invaluable musical consultant and vocal coach. Susan Production Stage Manager : Marsha Smith Robbins also was indispensable in creating Balkan “sound” and style in our chorus and Assistant Stage Manager : Gillian Stewart Marytha Paffrath helped children and adults feel perfectly at home with uneven time Technical Director : Andrew Hebert-Johnson signatures. Henry Goldberg, Ksenija Marinkovic´ and Martha Forsyth were also major Master Carpenter : Andrew Barnett cultural contributors and collaborators. Mirena Bagur and Jodi Mikalachki helped greatly Master Electrician and Light Board Operator : Alfredo Carballo with language and culture issues. Erica Zissman loaned us her sopile; Andrea Taylor-Blenis Lighting Assistant : Michael Berger lent us her leadership of Mladost and expertise in folk dances; Marianne Taylor, Marcie Costume Production : Costume Works Van Cleave and the Folk Arts Center of New England generously provided recordings and Costume Manager : Lynne Jeffery notation for dances and songs. Janet Nelson and Lynn Kass provided research material. Makeup assistant : Hannah Woodbury Costumes from the Mandala collection were made available to us by Pierre Nezille. Wardrobe Supervisor : Seth Bodie Children’s Manager : Lynda Johnson This program can be found at www.revels.org in expanded form with complete song texts Children’s Assistant : Jessi Beaton-Hellman and translations and links to various websites providing more background on Balkan Children’s Dressing Room Coordinator : Emily Soule culture and traditions. Audio clips will also be added as they become available. Scenic Painter : Sally Moore Carpenter : Ted Cocca Props Day Coordinators : Nancy Hanssen, Nilah MacDonald, Virginia Morton and Juliet Cocca Production Volunteer Coordinator : Nancy Hanssen Cast Party : Bruce Pratt and Chris Beasley Production Assistants : Nancy Hanssen and Jessi Beaton-Hellman ASL Interpreters : Joan Wattman, Katy Burns Revels Records Sales Coordinator : Jen Sur Photography : Roger Ide Videography : Michael Kolowich and DigiNovations Program Printing : Fleming Printers Volunteers Sylvia Anderson, Tom Arena, Freedom Baird, Sue Barry, Chris Beasley, Gary Beckmann Michael Bergman, Barbara Bodell, Renni Boy, Louise Breyer, Sheldon Brown, Ruth Cano- nico, Maureen, Michael and Aidin Carey, Michelle Cheyne, Jan Childs, Chris Chin, Paula Clough, Ted Cocca, Harvey Cohen, Josh Conway, Madeleine DeCarlo, Sibella DeCarlo, The Tree of Life Babi, Divas, and Nightingales Women’s Singing in the Balkans by Susan Robbins When Libana started singing together in 1979, “world music” was not a household phrase! We began our journey into uncharted territory with the desire to explore music “by, for, and about women,” motivated by What kind of times are they, when the belief that women around the globe must have been contributing A talk about trees is almost a crime creatively to their community, expressing the story of their lives through Because it implies silence about so many horrors? song. Back then, I heard my first Balkan songs on a Pennywhistlers LP, and Bertholt Brecht, “To those born later” also happened upon a concert by the Boston group Evo Nas, with whom Libana later shared the stage in the 1983 Christmas Revels. But, it was my personal experience of the electrifying vibration created by singing close Bulgarian harmonies that secured Balkan vocal music at the core Strange roses are blooming in Sarajevo of Libana’s repertoire for nearly 30 years. There is nothing like that sonic Each mutely testifies a life curtailed experience — as a singer or a listener! Trees persevere among the ruined buildings As in many cultures, music and dance in the Balkans held a more How can a branch be so foolish as to bud? cherished and daily role in traditional culture than in our contemporary, What kind of times are they, when talk of trees listener-oriented, North American reality. Historically, songs accompanied Is almost the equivalent of crime, virtually every aspect of a primarily agricultural village existence. From Because it skirts the horror all around? my feminist viewpoint, however, it is both the bright and dark face of women’s reality in Balkan traditional society that gave birth to so many amazing women’s songs. Much of life was gender-segregated, and so the If it is true that a tree is life made simple, women sang together, working long, back-breaking days in the fields, If it is true that roots spread wide as branches, making their way through endless daily chores, embroidering their beau- If it is true that the crown of a tree touches heaven, tiful cloth at a sedenka (work party), celebrating life cycles and seasonal If it is true that the root of a tree touches death, rituals with song and dance, mourning their lost loved ones during years If it is true that a falling leaf has already been replaced, of war and occupation, giving collective, musical voice to their joy, sorrow, If it is true that the acorn dreams of the tree, fear, frustration, humor, hope, and pride. If it is true that the tree dreams of the axe, Children learned the village songs in the oral tradition; often a young girl would seek out another whose voice timbre matched hers well. They If it is true that an acorn is just the tree’s way back into the earth— would sing together for as long as life circumstances allowed; arranged One life for another, marriages were the historical norm in the Balkans, and many young girls Then let’s commit the crime and sit upon the ground left home, family, friends, and singing pals to go live in the new husband’s And talk of trees. village, becoming the low woman in his family’s hierarchy. However, a Patrick Swanson, 2007 young Balkan woman’s vocal prowess was held in highest regard, and greatly contributed to her marriageable status; many songs compare the See “Sarajevo Roses” at Google.com beautiful singing of a woman to that of a nightingale! As deep and ancient as Balkan traditions are, culture is not a static phenomenon, and life has changed dramatically since these songs were a part of daily existence. There are still groups of elder women who sing Christmas in the Balkans (and perform!) their village’s songs, preserving the thread to a more by Ksenija Marinkovic´ ancient time; in Bulgaria they are referred to as babi, or grandmothers. There are also many singers whose astonishing voices have carried them The entire period from Advent through Epiphany is marked with a series to international solo careers. Back in 1951, Philipe Koutev gathered the of rituals culminating with Christmas, which is celebrated primarily with most talented women singers from each Bulgarian region and created Catholic rites in the western Balkans and Eastern Orthodox rites in the exciting choral folk song arrangements. Decades later, their recordings (Le eastern part of the Balkans. Holiday cheer permeates the entire season, Mystère des Voix Bulgares) topped world music charts across Europe and hallmarked with recent imports such as Santa Claus, Christmas trees and beyond, and the world fell in love with the unmistakable sound of Bulgar- related commercial trappings that unite us all in this global village. But ian women’s choral singing. just underneath the familiar glitz, an intriguingly complex and multi- layered wealth of traditions and rituals has been preserved from ancient On behalf of many singers without ancestral roots in the Balkans times and recently revived in a Balkan village. Many of these customs are who are inexorably drawn to the intensity of this music, the women of of pre-Christian origin and encompass fertility rites, cult of dead ances- Libana would like to express our deepest respect and gratitude to count- tors, divination and imitative magic. They have held special importance less generations of Balkan women — be they babi or divas — who sang for the winter solstice, this auspicious, longest night of the year that was with strength and courage through centuries of war and peace, and who taken to mark a new year in many cultures. While Christianity offered continue to sing with proud, passionate voices, inspiring each of us to hope through Jesus and salvation in heaven, it was the familiar, old sing like a nightingale. customs, those based on the annual cycle of natural changes, that vil- Susan Robbins is founder and artistic director of Libana, a women’s world music lagers continued observing to ensure a good harvest and prosperity for ensemble that last performed with Revels in 1983. For more information visit www. their family, to uphold and maintain old traditions and to pay homage libana.com. to the spirits of their ancestors. Naturally, these rituals have changed and amalgamated over time, resulting in some regional specificity, but most have retained their essential characteristics throughout the Balkans, giving unique and rich attributes to this holiday like no other. The bread ritual with one or more richly decorated bread loaves is a Shippen Page & Anne St. Goar must on Christmas Eve. It is ornamented with images of birds, farm animals, bees, and grain; it symbolizes hope for a fertile and abundant new year. It is thought to have magical powers and is given to farm animals f f and sprinkled in the fields. Similarly, houses are decorated with green, congratulate Revels and everyone decorated branches or hazelnut branches with as many catkins as pos- sible, in the belief that they would bring about health and wealth. Decora- associated with this year’s tions with freshly sprouted wheat are another example of the magic belief that the ritual of sowing, sprouting and growing wheat at this auspicious Balkan production time may promote the renewal and rebirth of nature and abundance in the year to come. The custom of lightly hitting others with a decorated stick or a branch (survakane, mladinci) is meant to magically transfer this life force onto others. Winter solstice is the time of the longest darkness and is seen as a magical junction, a new year, a turn of seasons, the night when the skies are open, allowing the spirits of dead ancestors to visit their earthly homes. They are welcomed with warmth, light, and offerings. A large log (badnjak, badnik,Yule log) is chosen at dawn and put into the fireplace at dusk. It is treated as a living being — it is given offerings of grain and THE MISSION of Revels is to celebrate the seasons and cycles of human life through performance and participatory experience, and to cultivate an understanding and appre- wine and greeted with prayers. Its ashes are thought to have protective ciation of traditional music, dance, drama and ritual drawn from the world’s cultures. powers and are sprinkled in the fields or in the stables. Straw is spread We pursue this mission through music theater, educational programs, recordings, on the ground and the family dines there, or, in more recent times, it is publications and community celebrations. We engage people of all ages and backgrounds spread on the table and covered with a tablecloth; an extra place is set and in activities which are designed to entertain, to nourish the spirit, and to build bridges a candle is lit to welcome those who are there but cannot be seen. In ad- across generations and cultures. dition to roasts and feast foods, the dishes served that night include those This year The Christmas Revels is also being presented in Tacoma, WA; Portland, OR; Oakland, CA; Boulder, CO; Houston, TX; Hanover, NH; New York, NY; and Washington, that are otherwise served by the graveside such as beans, honey, nuts, and DC. porridge (akin to figgy pudding), and also those that symbolize wishes for     a sweet and abundant new year: apple slices are dipped in honey while the Shippen Page, president Gayle Rich, executive director mixed-grain porridge may originate from Greek panspermia. Throughout Lauren Puglia, vice president Patrick Swanson, artistic director Clark L. Bernard, treasurer George Emlen, music director the night fortunes are told, and future events such as the harvest, mar- Mary Ella Feinleib, clerk Alan Casso, marketing and public relations riages, and deaths are divined. Stephen W. Batzell Cristina Aspuru Corwin, development associate Saeqa Dil Vrtilek The koleda ritual takes place on several occasions during the season Kay Dunlap, director, Revels Repertory Company John A. Gilmartin Sarah Higginbotham, education director as small processions visit the neighboring houses and other villages in a Robert Hurley Lynda Johnson, production manager Carol Lasky spirit of well-wishing and making amends. They sing songs bestowing Chris Jorie, directing fellow Silas Mark Jeanne Kelly, volunteer manager best wishes to the household and are rewarded in return. We join them Ronald Nath, M.D. Sue Ladr, art director/graphic design in wishing that “your stables be full of livestock, your barns full of grain, Shelley Stiles Jennifer Sur, office manager your cellars full of wine, but above all, may you and your family be merry, Jerald Whittington, business manager   Olivia Woodford, development director healthy, and happy!” Frederick Bay Foley Hoag LLP, legal counsel Ksenija Marinković, Ph.D., grew up in Zagreb, Croatia, and joined a local folk- Susan Cooper Harvey Cox   dance troupe at the age of thirteen. She came to the US to pursue graduate studies David Griesinger James Beardsley and is now a brain researcher at Harvard University, but she has always maintained David Langstaff Arthur Ferguson a profound passion for the folk music and ethnology of the Balkans. Kristin Linklater Nancy Hanssen Sir George Martin, C.B.E. Susan Kemp Margaret K. McElderry Michael Kolowich, video archivist Ifeanyi Menkiti Judi St. Sauveur Jean Ritchie Julie Smith Terrence A. Tobias Anne von Rosenberg Ursula Vaughan Williams

Revels was founded in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1971 and established in 1974 as a non-proﬁt, tax-exempt organization. The Christmas Revels program © 2007 Revels, Inc. “Christmas Revels,” “Spring Revels,” “Sea Revels,” “Midsummer Revels” “SummersDay”and “Revels” are ® service marks of Revels, Inc., Watertown, MA. All rights reserved. Revels,  Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA  www.revels.org [email protected] -- Friends of Revels Revels gratefully acknowledges the many businesses, government agencies, foundations and individuals for their generous support. The following contributions were received between November 15, 2006 and November 15, 2007.

Sponsored Performances of The Christmas Revels December 15, 2007, 7:30 pm : In memory of Charlotte Loeb December 16, 2007, 7:30 pm : Don and Susan Ware December 20, 2007, 7:30 pm : The Nath, Carson and Jacobs Families December 21, 2007, 7:30 pm : David and Ellen Wilson December 22, 2007, 7:30 pm : In memory of Tim Taylor

REVELS PARTNERS FOUNDATIONS CORPORATIONS Boston Children’s Museum Angel ($25,000 +) Angel ($25,000 +) Charles River Conservancy The Seth Sprague Educational WBZ-AM and Charitable Foundation Perkins School for the Blind The Stranahan Foundation Partner ($10,000 +) Ripman Lighting Consultants, Inc. Timothy G. Taylor Trust Boston Metro UpStairs on the Square WBUR-FM Partner ($10,000 +) Friends of Fort Point Channel WSBK-TV Claire & Jack Nath Charitable Foundation Sponsor ($5,000 +) GOVERNMENT Sponsor ($5,000 +) Boston Phoenix Burlington Cultural Council Gilmartin Family Charitable Trust Benefactor ($2,500 +) Massachusetts Cultural Council The Ithaka Foundation Boston Parents’ Paper Finale Benefactor ($2,500+) Izze Beverage Company The Taylor Foundation Titan Worldwide KBK Foundation Watertown Cultural Council Sustainer ($1,000 +) Sustainer ($1,000 +) Annie’s Inc. Burlington Education Flagraphics, Inc. Foundation Mountain Herbal Foods MATCHING GIFTS H.O. Peet Foundation UpStairs on the Square Bank of America Donor (up to $1,000) Wainwright Bank Houghton Mifﬂin Company Alchemy Foundation Wagner BMW of Shrewsbury HP Employee Charitable Butler’s Hole Fund Donor (up to $1,000) Giving Program The Edmund & Betsy Cabot Abacus Financial Advisors IBM International Foundation Berkshire Brewing Company Charitable Foundation The Gillette Company Cambridge Brewing Company Mill River Foundation Fund The Harry Frank Guggenheim Grendel’s Den Rohm and Haas Dollars Foundation Iggy’s Bread of the World for Doers Program Tyco Matching Gifts Program Investor Resources, Inc. Sands Family Foundation Microsoft Corporation Nantucket Vineyard The Charles Hotel Turtle Creek Winery Watertown Savings Bank Whole Foods Market MORE JACKFISH FUND CONTRIBUTORS

$2,500+ $100+ Up to $99 Warren Brewer Two Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. James W. Beardsley Mac & Priscilla Howland Jill Bixler Georgia Bills & Wes Slate The Seth Sprague Educational Burlington Cultural Council David Brody and Charitable Foundation Alan Casso Becky & Larry Burckmyer Steve Solomon & Kay Dunlap Dana Cetlin Terri, Erik & Luke Butler Hope S. Childs John & Holly Cratsley Barbara Coburn Fred Craver $1,000+ R J F was launched in November 2007 to honor the educa- Theodore & Linda Cocca Maribeth Eugene Stephen Batzell Barb & Carl Corey Mr. & Mrs. Terry Fiske tional vision of John Langstaff. In the first year Revels has received $320,000 in Mr. Frederick Bay Courageous Sailing Center in honor of pledges and cash donations. Many thanks to our donors who have generously Sheldon Brown & Harriet Fell Katharine C. Evans Lori Renn Parker Burlington Education Foundation Roger & Leslie Hallowell Tally S. Forbes contributed to the fund. Susan Bush John & Catherine Henn David Gandle Gertrude D. Houghton If you would like to pay tribute to John Langstaff, assist in Revels education The Coburns, in honor of Ms. Wendy Gulley Clark Bernard Evelyn & Ned Jackson Ronni Hochman programs reaching children throughout Greater Boston, please make a donation Lynn Courtney Margo & David Jay Karen Honig Lee & Christopher Kauders Ms. Barbara Gibbs John & Hilary Hopkins online at www.revels.org or make a check out to ‘Revels’ and mail to Revels, 80 Celina Kellogg Judy & John Knutson Wayne & Nancy Kilker Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472. Sam Warner & Diana Kleiner Bill & Dianne Lam Brian & Lindsay O’Donovan Mr. Walter Locke H.O. Peet Foundation Living Folk Records Leslie Becker & William Loomis & Concerts JACKFISH SOCIETY FOUNDING MEMBERS Hildred & Jack Simons Robert & Linda MacIntosh Nancy Skramstad Robert MacWilliams Anne Malone & Jamille Freed Magnus Snorrason & Adine Storer John Margolis Daniel & Claire Messing Songleader $50,000+ The Taylor Foundation Ed & Lisa Maynard Ms. Nancy Miller Donald & Susan Ware The Vrtileks Jack McCreless & Janet Nelson Bonnie & Gabor Miskolczy $500+ Margaret Newhouse Chris & Jim Nicolson Soloist $25,000+ Gurdon S. Buck in honor of Elizabeth Locke Gina Offenstine Clark & Susana Bernard Clark & Gloria Chandler & Walter Locke Howard A. Reed M. Katherine Metcalfe & Langdon Wheeler Cuan & Lee Coulter Sands Family Foundation in memory of Seth O. Reed Shippen Page & Anne St. Goar Ken Crater & Peg Ferraro Bill, Sherry, Dana & Abby Seaver Carole Schildhauer The Stranahan Foundation Mark & Tricia Deck Rochelle & Steven Seltzer Dan & Ros Smythe Ellen & David Wilson Jan & George Emlen Hildred Simons Judith Wachs John & Maryann Gilmartin Nancy A. Skramstad Mr. & Mrs. John J. Walsh Kenneth Hamberg Shelley Stiles & Neil Davies Cornelia P. Zinsser Chorus $5,000+ Laurence Kotlikoff Cathie & Dick Sur Ken & Barbara Burnes & Dayle Ballentine Gina Esile-Sylva & Tom Sylva Donald Duncan Steven & Karen Krichmar Charlotte Taylor Mary Ella Feinleib Tom & Deborah Kruskal Bill & Heli Tomford Jerry Flannelly & Dorrie King Carol Lasky & Dana Mills Frances & Peter Trafton Phyllis Harrington Jamy B. Madeja Catherine Troisi & Richard Stoll Ruth & Jan Heespelink Jeff & Christine Meller Celia & Victor Wakefield Dona & Michael Kemp Amey Moot John H Wallace Michael Kolowich & Kristin Lynde Ellen G. & John R. Moot Mary Weafer, in recognition of Melora Krebs-Carter in honor of Shirley Brewer Elizabeth H. Munnell Carol Lasky Eric Levenson Gayle Rich Kitty & Mark Wheeler Gregory Maguire & Andy Newman Anna & Richard Roelofs John & Robyn Slupski Shepley Metcalf Mrs. Walter St. Goar Mill River Foundation Mrs. William L. Udall Claire & Jack Nath Emily Beasley Williams Lenore & George Travis & Charles Williams Dr. & Mrs. C.W. von Rosenberg, Jr. Wingate Financial Corporation Mrs. Constance V.R. White Terry & Diane Winslow ANNUAL FUND DONORS Jane Culbert & Henry Olds Emily & Tom Haslett Ken & Cynthia Scott Martha & Douglas Poole Sarah Higginbotham Bill Sketchley Carol & Richard Rader & Chris Neurath Luanne Selk & Jon Skillman Ann & Stuart Schaffner Olivia A. Hoblitzelle Frank D. Skinner Julie & Bob Smith Win & Margie Hodges Adrienne St. John LEADERSHIP CIRCLE Liz Gray & Chip Loomis Silas and Mamtha Mark Mrs. Walter St. Goar Edith Holland The Stevenson Family Nancy & Jeffrey Clements Lord of the House Shippen Page & Anne St. Goar The Mary J. S. Strong Hartley & Rosemary Hoskins Nancy Sweezy Francis J. Kirwin ($25,000 +) Donald & Susan Ware Charitable Trust Jamie Jaffe & Steve Shuff Patton & Richard Tabors Michael Kolowich Timothy G. Taylor William & Ann Strong Sarah May Johnston Marimba Magic Moon ($1,000 +) & Kristin Lynde Master & Mistress Donna Wainwright & Alan Field Susan & John Kane Mark Throop Anonymous (1) Steven & Karen Krichmar of the House ($10,000 +) Arthur Waltman Harriet A. Karkut Mr. James Todd The Barnetts Tony Lafuentes Ken & Barbara Burnes & Carol Watson-Phillips Dona & Michael Kemp Inghilt Traenkle Stephen Batzell The Maycock/Sullivan Family Charlotte Loeb Claire & Gordon Kennedy Frank & Peg Trainor Chris & Lynne Beasley Kevin & Amelia McCarthy Ron & Kathy Nath Mr. & Mrs. Lewis E. Kimball, Jr. Kenneth & Brenda Troup Jeannie & Henry Becton, Jr. Mary McDonald The Klimek Family Mrs. William L. Udall Clark & Susana Bernard & James D. Supple, Jr. Sponsor ($150 +) SOLSTICE CIRCLE John & Gretchen LaRossa Kate & Peter Van Demark Linda C. Black Elizabeth H. Munnell Anonymous (6) Sun ($5,000 +) J. Lawton, Booksellers Richie & Peter Vanderwarker Warren Brewer Rusty Park Stacy Adams & Daniel Lovett Anonymous (1) The Leahy Family Terry Vazquez, Mr. Andrew Burnett Lauren Puglia Adelaide Aitken John & Mary Ann Gilmartin Liz Levin & Ira Gessel Public Insurance Adjuster Stephen Campbell & Paul Rosenstrach Richard & Ellie Armstrong Chris, Nancy & Weston Hughes Peggy & Larry Levy Susan & David Wahr & Sheila Zarba-Campbell Susan Grose Rioff Patricia Badger David Langstaff Kathy Hagelston Hedy & Tom Whitney Suzanne Clewley Emilie D. Steele Edye & Bob Baker Gregory Maguire & Richard Limbursky The Coburns, in honor of Nora & Norman Stevens Leslie & Frank Baskin & Andy Newman Forbes & Jane Little Clark Bernard Patrick & Laura Swanson Tom & Susan Bates Gregory Moore & Wynne Szeto Paula & Peter Lofgren Contributor ($75 +) Lindsay & Charlie Coolidge Mary & Gerry Swope Kenneth Bongort M. 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Haringa Bill & Dianne Lam Ms. Ann Olmsted Murphy Sewall & Virginia Fulton Ms. Margaret Burt Terry Durkin & Geoff Grouten George & Charlotte Harlan Michael & Sally Lanagan Mary Ellen & Peter Onno Frances Shawcross Marilyn Butler Daniel Duryea Ann Harris Carol Langstaff Osvaldo & Susan Pacheco Mr. Dennis Shedd & Mark Mancevice & Elaine Maclachlan Karen Harris Nancy Langstaff Louise M. Pascale Tom & Nancy Shepherd Mary Campbell & David Chase The Eccles Family Lisa & Ross Harris Lauren & Henry Larson Maryanne Peabody Robert & Denise Sheridan The Campbell Family Leslie A. Eckel Connie Hart Lee Ann Latham & Laurence Stybel Robert & Vivian Shortreed Dr. & Mrs. Philip Carling Jane & Bob Eckert Stephen, Sandy, Emma & Paul O’Connell Jeff, Mary & Mike Peart Ted & Sally Shwartz Jane & Christopher Carlson Antony & Bea Edgar & Charlotte Harte Jim & Kate Lathrop Guido & Joan Perera The Richard S. Sidell Family Ray & Penny Cartier Jan Elliott Angelica & Richard Harter Dave & Margaret Lazenby Marie & Frank Pereto Hildred & Jack Simons Carol & Robert Cashion Cynthia Ellis & Hany Teylouni Paul Perrotta Paul K. Harter, Jr. Elizabeth Le Leux The Sinclair Family Chris & Felicia Chadbourne Patti & John Emerson & Geraldine M. Harter Nancy Petaja Mary Lejeune Mr. Kevin Skorupa Allan & Marcia Chertok Cora P. Emlen Charles Hay & Joanne Crerand Patricia & Edward Lewis Mark & Pauline Peters Nancy Skramstad Ralph Child & Eliza Blanchard Bonnie & Stephen Erickson Frances Hays Anne Licciardello Monica Petri & Blaise Heltai Darien & Jim Smith Isabel Chiu Peter & Sally Farrow Rebecca Henderson & Wayne Hersher Louise A. Pfeiffer Melissa Ann Smith Jane H. Civins Mr. Jon Fay & John Huchra Cindy & Rick Lincoln Barbara & Ben Philbrick Rebecca & Michael Smith & Michael A. Malardo The Feeney-Morrison Family Molly R. Heverling Mary Ann & Sara List The Photopoulos Family Dan & Ros Smythe Dr. Geoffrey E. Paul Feiss & Peg McKenna Sarah & Timothy Hirzel Florence H. Lloyd Ann Pilch & Martha Fuller Clark Jeannette & Alan Feuer Diane Hitchkock Seldon and Tuulikki Loring Mr. & Mrs. Peter Plummer Carl & Diane Soderland Alison A. Coady Matt & Judy Fichtenbaum & Ronald McMahon Megan Elizabeth McPherson Low Mickey & Sylvia Albert & Betty Solbjor Harvey Cohen Janet Fillion & Richard Laine Todd & Pam Hixon Beth Lowd Jeanne & Richard Pounder Bobbie Sproat & Jud Leonard Maura & Al McNiff Mr. & Mrs. Terry Fiske in honor of Mr. & Mrs. Richard Hoffman Adam & Gloria Lustphillips Mr. Stanley Powers Sheri St. Laurent Dave, Ben, Bert & Sue Collins Lori Renn Parker Carol Hollingshead Laurie & Bob Lynch Dr. Lillian Randall Judi St. Sauveur & Bill Saunders Georgiann Collins Terry & Jacqui Fitzgerald Ms. Susan MacDougall Randles Family Roy & Judith Stames-Hamilton John & Hilary Hopkins & Neil Murray Margot Flouton & Robert Barnes Robert & Linda MacIntosh Octavia Randolph Marianne Stefanov Millie & Jim Horn Ms. Deborah Colwell Virginia & William Foote David & Mary Lee MacKay Nancy B. Rawson & daughter, Ariana Simon & Amy Horsburgh Betsy Comstock Christy Foote-Smith W.K. & W.C. Mackey Mr. Roger Read Cynthia Ganung & Roland Stern Jennifer Horton Lorna Condon & Robert Stupp Lucia T. MacMahon & Family Julia Reade George Stewart & Mr. David Regan Peter W. Coogan Fred & Graceann Foulkes Ms. Linda Madden Abram & Martha Recht & Alexandra Turner Betty Hoskins & Deborah Willard Coogan Fred Framklin Don & Judy Manthei Debbie Reed Pearson Stewart Margaret Hubbard & Barbara Rowan Len & Pippen Cook & Kaaren Grimstad Ned Martenis & Family Howard A. Reed The Huebner Family David B. & Margot D. Stone Barb & Carl Corey Charles & Odette Friou Ann Mason in memory of Seth O. Reed Marcia J. Hunkins Meryl Stowbridge Arthur & Helene Cornelius Dick & Beverly Gauthier Mary G. Mason Deborah Regan Joyce Isen Dave & Liz Strauss Carole & David Cotton Susan Gaylord Anne H. Matthews Tim & Alison Reif Lynn Courtney The Gibson Family, in memory of Howell Jackson Peter & Deb Reinhart Caroline & Alan Strout & Elizabeth Foote Mary & Mike McConnell Jennifer Lenox Craig Pep Gibson Dori & Bert Reuss Mr. & Ms. Lawrence R. Sulak Tom & Alison Jaskiewicz Robert & Susan Mennel John & Holly Cratsley Laura Gifford Amy & Tim Riley Cynthia Sunderland Marion & Peter Johannsen Ms. Barbara Merrifield & Gerrit Zwart Fred Craver John & Judy Giger Jim & Connie Ring Elizabeth B. Johnson Suzanne & Lucy Milauskas Cathie & Dick Sur Susan Creamer Kathy Godfrey Chris, Seth & Ben Ripman Barbara E. Jones Donald & Ann Miller The Sutcliffe Family & Schoenhorn Family Rick Godley & Kathleen Carney Nancy Robb Ms. Nancy Jones Lindsay Miller & Peter Ambler Nancy Sutton Joanne Creedon Julia Goldstein Bruce & Virginia Lee & Christopher Kauders Bonnie & Gabor Miskolczy Bob & Betty Sweet Martha Davidson Miriam Goodman in honor of Rev. Nancy Rockwell Gayle Rich Kevin & Nicole Kelly Kyra Montague Jane & Chester Swett Nancy & Scott Davis John & Pat Rodgers Kelsey, Brittany & Jane Gould Sam Kendall & Cathie Zusy Marjorie & Stephen Moore Gina Esile-Sylva & Tom Sylva Marcia & George de Garmo Anna & Richard Roelofs The Viens-Govone Family Tim Keohane, in memory of Nancy Roosa & Alex Moot Sheila E. Sylvan Dennis & Betsy DeWitt William & Sherry Rogers Elizabeth M. Grady Maureen Hansen Keohane Mr. Robert Morris Charlotte Taylor Mr. & Mrs. Peter Dittami Celia H. & Robert Morris Debra Ronga Sharon & Michael Tomasulo Jon Wilson & Sherry Streeter Ms. Barbara P. Worcester Christina Tree & Bill Davis Terry & Diane Winslow Nell Wright & Victor Troll Mr. Pierre Trepagnier Barbara & Michael Wolf Mead & Ann Wyman Connie & Marty Tulloch Susan & Michael Wolfe Evelyn Wyman Before a Common Soil Alexandra Turner Charles Woodbury Frederick O. Yohn The Van Arsdale/Dewey Family Hannah Woodbury Ms. Andrea Young Ifeanyi Menkiti Lisa & Howard Van Vleck Jamie Devol & Lee Wooten Laura Zimmerman & Joe Shay Rosamond & Sven Vaule Roberta Villanti “This poem was originally performed at Sanders Theatre in Cam- Celia & Victor Wakefield bridge, MA during the 2002 production of the Spring Revels. It was Ms. Judith Walcott IN MEMORY OF Mr. & Mrs. John J. Walsh Jennifer McCabe then, for the first time, dedicated ‘to Jack Langstaff, singer of songs.’” Peter & Mary Ward Lee Warren From Before a Common Soil, Poems by Ifeanyi Menkiti Molly & Dan Lynn Watt Barrie Billingsley’s coworkers in Group 48 at MIT Lincoln Lab Paul & Lynne Weaver Timothy Chow Susan Webb Ruth Grogan & Michael Kirkham Let this then be your understanding, Marjorie D. & Joseph A. Weerts Judith & John Hitz You sons and daughters of the ancient stars Catherine Weisbrod Florence Kelley on behalf of the entire Kinet Laboratory Peter & Barbara Welanetz Linda Kipper & Larry Stone That your home reaches beyond Wayne Welke & Reeva Meyer Toni B. Langerman & Steven Krausman The earth which is your home. Bailey & Phil Whitbeck Mrs. Constance V.R. White Judith A. McCarthy Joan R. Wickersham Kim Occhiuti & David Czelusniak May you go forth across the land Beth Wilbur & Brian Donoghue Steven & Teresa Perry And with the movement of flutes Dr. Eileen C. Williams Joan Turner Celebrate the blessings & Mr. John F. Beaucaire Aunt Mary & Uncle Paul West Priscilla Hut Williams Which the gods have given you. Kirsten, Dan, Justin, Angel & Aurora Campbell Charles L. Wilson May you catch the shifting of the light At the tip of the flute’s tongue; And may you ask of the darkness Thant it remain with you Lest the light lose sight Of whence it came. Yes, I have heard song The power of which was not of the world Though the singer of it was in the world; And I have called out to you, Children of an undivided earth, That you join your hands together And be of one accord before a common soil— Lest the rivers cease to water the land, Lest the voices of the singers be forever stilled. Yes, I have heard song The power of which was not of the world Though the singer of it was in the world.           Spring Sing March 19, 2008 Kick off the first day of 7 - 9 pm, St. John’s Church, Watertown summer in Boston with world music, dance, festival art and puppetry from Boston’s neighbor- hoods — free to the public Join us to mark the spring equinox with singing! Surrounded by early forsythia blossoms and hopeful sprigs of green, we celebrate the turning of the season by singing our way through A Revels Garland SummersDay Revels of Song. Music director George Emlen leads us into the warmer months with June 21 & 22, 2008 high-spirited song, joined by guest musicians David Coffin, Michael Punzak, 5:00 pm - twilight Eric Levenson and others. The Spring Workshop for Children culminates at Spring Sing with a delightful mummers’ play with song and dance. The evening 5:00 pm—the Noonday Sun and his hot entourage will process concludes with an easy dance for all and delicious refreshments. towards the Midnight Moon and her cool retinue to meet on the main stage where they will announce the first day of summer. The celestial duo will then embark on a barge to light the SummersDay beacon which begins an evening of magic and RiverSing musical and visual delights. Decide whether you are feeling hot September 21, 2008 or cool and join the procession of your choice. 5:00 - 7:30 pm 7:30 pm—SummersDay Revels production on the mainstage Weeks Footbridge Look for information at the Boston Children’s Museum Cambridge and Allston on www.revels.org in the months ahead. The setting is Boston’s waterfront outside Boston Children’s Museum and the Intercontinental Hotel along Fort Point Revels marks the four “corners” Channel, where, on multiple stages, diverse local artists, dance of the year with four very different companies and ensembles will mark the onset of summer with celebrations. The most recent addition to our annual cycle is performances, workshops, and art that represent the cultural RiverSing, an outdoor singing event at the autumnal equinox riches of Boston. produced jointly by Revels and Charles River Conservancy, now in its fifth year. Enjoy the waning hours of summer as the sun sets and join the chorus to sing familiar songs, But that’s not all! As the sun sets, these artists will converge on accompanied by a folk band and led by Revels music director George Emlen. Giant pup- the main stage to join storyteller Jay O’Callahan, David Coffin, pets, brass bands and guest musicians help usher in the the Revels cast of adults and children and a host of instruments fall. Join the procession of singers and puppets from for a unique intercultural SummersDay Revels, a fully staged Harvard Square to start the event, or enjoy a picnic on CHARLES RIVER Revels performance. the river banks and wait for the fun to begin. conservancy           Revels Touring Ensemble The Revels Salon Series Revels Repertory Company Eclectic in content, January 18, 2008 (formerly Circle of Song) Social in nature Hankus Netsky : Musical Kay Dunlap, director 3rd Friday of the month legacy of the Jewish immigrants Bring Revels to your school or community! 7:30 – 9:30 pm February 15, 2008 Join us at the historic This 40-member ensemble of adults and children travels throughout southern New Ken Field : Brass bands from Commander’s Mansion in England presenting original musical theater programs based on cultural, seasonal Bourbon St. to Sesame St. Watertown for three intimate and historic themes. Ideal family entertainment, the programs are appropriate for evenings featuring some very April 18, 2008 adults and children age six and up. photo: Roger Ide special friends of Revels. Enjoy Christopher Janney : Integrat- a reception with New England ing music and architecture wines and beer and delicious cheeses then stay for a Read more about these Revels Salons and reserve your seats stimulating and fun interactive at www.revels.org or call Alan presentation. at 617-972-8300 ext.22 Become a Volunteer        

Revels volunteers assist in many ways: • Helping with mailings • Creating props for our productions • Building and painting sets  : Harvest Home A Celebration of the Sea • Repairing/ironing costumes backstage Harvest songs and fall traditions, Songs and stories about New England including the origins of Halloween ﬁshermen, their families, and their lives at • Selling books and CDs at shows and “trick or treat.” home and at sea. • Using computer skills in the ofﬁce There’s a Meeting Here Tonight! *An American Journey • Planning and support for special The politically active Hutchinson Music, dance and stories abound in this events Family Singers reunite with friends program about immigrants from Ireland, • Providing baked goods or snacks Frederick Douglass and P.T. Barnum Italy and Eastern Europe journeying by boat for events for post-Civil War songs and stories. to America at the turn of the century. • Helping at outdoor events such as *performed March 2007 at Ellis Island in New York as part of its 100th anniversary celebration RiverSing and SummersDay Revels For more information, call Detailed descriptions of all Revels Repertory Company programs are available at www.revels.org Jeanne Kelly at (617) 972-8300 x30 For information on booking contact Kay Dunlap at [email protected] or visit us at www.revels.org          

Revels Education • Revels Residency Revels Education Programs • Revels Rep School Performance Make a Difference Today! celebrate with music, song, • Revels After-School Workshop dance, games, and stories Make a donation to in after-school workshops, school residencies and Revels Annual Fund school performances. to support Revels’ seasonal performances and programs Jackfish Education Fund to support Revels in providing school and after-school programs that introduce children to the music, dance and drama traditions of the world’s cultures. Langstaff Artistic Fund Learn more at www.revels.org to support new artistic projects or contact education director Sarah Higginbotham, Give online at www.revels.org OR make out a check to Revels and 617-972-8300 x26. mail to: Revels, 80 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472. For About a Revels Residency : more information, call Olivia Woodford at 617-972-8300 x29 “I was thrilled to see such an event at our school. The music, dancing and multicultural aspects were phenomenal. Bravo!” —Parent About a Revels Rep School Performance : Keep In Touch “...engaging, authentic with respect to music and circumstance, and enriching” —Teacher Stay informed with Revels’ twice-monthly emails and learn about these About a Revels After-School Workshop : upcoming events : “Outstanding!” —Parent summersday revels salons pub sings auditions riversing cd sales Spring Workshop for Children new publications spring sing workshops revels repertory company volunteer opportunities summersday revels salons pub sings Praise for February 6 – March 19 auditions summersday revels salons pub sings auditions riversing Wednesdays, 4:00-5:30 Revels After-School Workshops : cd sales new publications spring sing workshops revels repertory Children ages 7-12 are invited to “This program was exceptional!” —Parent of a participant company volunteer opportunities summersday revels salons pub a six-week after-school workshop sings auditions riversing cd sales new publications spring sing to learn songs and a spring- “I want to go back another time!” themed mummers’ play, which —Child participant workshops revels repertory company volunteer opportunities sa- they will present at Revels Spring “Thanks for a terrific experience for lons pub sings auditions riversing salons summersday revels pub Sing on March 19, 2008. my son.” —Parent of a participant sings auditions summersday revels salons auditions riversing cd Tuition is $125. No audition is necessary, but space is limited. sales new publications spring sing workshops summersday revels To register: 617-972-8300 x26 or email [email protected]

photo: Arthur Ferguson Sign up today at www.revels.org        

Whatever the season, whatever the reason, Do your shopping at 2 new items The Revels Store honoring www.revels.org Revels founder John Langstaﬀ Before a Common Soil Poems by Ifeanyi Menkiti

Dedicated to his friend John Langstaff, this powerful and evocative book of poems is the latest by Menkiti, professor of philosophy at Wellesley College and the new proprietor of Grolier Poetry Book Shop in Har- vard Square. Proceeds from this book will beneﬁt the Revels Artistic Fund. Yes, I have heard song The power of which was not of the world Though the singer of it was in the world.

To Drive the Dark Away A Vision of John Langstaﬀ A ﬁlm by David Nath

The long awaited DVD release of David Nath’s intimate portrait of Revels founder, John Langstaff. With interviews with Jack and those close to him, the ﬁlm chronicles Langstaff’s life and his 60+ year career in music, from boy soprano to concert artist, to noted educator to television host and recording star, and ultimately, the vision- ary who created The Christmas Revels.

Both items and more are available in the lobby. Sample and Purchase Your Music at The Revels Store www.revels.org (watch for our new look in 2008!)         Two weeks in August on Squam Lake in the White Mountains  A camp for girls ages 8–16 L Hiking, land and water sports,  and the arts.  O’C For 2008 brochure: The Children’s Book Shop  Linda Briggs CD! 821 Whitney Avenue 237 Washington Street www.ocallahan.com New Haven, Connecticut 06511 Brookline, MA 02445 800-626-5356 (203) 624-0820 (617) 734-7323 Stories for all ages on CDs & cassettes Charles River Conservancy Making the Parklands attractive, active and accessible to all www.thecharles.org 617-619 2851

Partnering with Revels for the annual RiverSing at the Weeks bridge Sunday, September 21, 2008

Fleming Printers UpStairs sparkles and shines this time of year!

Special prix fixe menus for Revels guests

After-theater refreshments Valet parking for the evening 91 Winthrop Street, Harvard Square 617 864.1933 upstairsonthesquare.com

Telephone (617) 965-5700 Fax (617) 527-0929 [email protected] 60 Wells Avenue, Newton, Massachusetts 02459-3219 auditing accounting taxes

He knows who’s been naughty or nice.

(For the record, they’re mostly naughty.)

Dr. Phil Weeknights at 8pm

tv38.com Čestit Božić i Sretna Nova Godina! “I listened to these songs with great interest and Natural Care Merry Christmas and Happy New Year pleasure.” Jean Ritchie for skin, nails & hair • Products & Gifts • Gift Cards • Cosmetics & Earrings • Spray Tanning from New England Friends of Croatia NEFC is a non-proﬁt organization sharing Croatian culture in New England. NEFC programs in 2007/08 include : • Croatian Film Series at the Coolidge Corner Newport’s Fair Town Theater www.coolidge.org/worldcroatia • Croatian Culture and Language Program for Traditional Songs and Ballads adults and children www.croatian-lcp.org from North America 62 South Street, Jamaica Plain 02130 • Seasonal cultural, social and religious events, Sung by Peter Johnson (617) 524-6867 including sing-alongs with Pajdaši, a dance with friends band of American and nativeborn singers Monday–Friday ’til 8pm and instrumentalists performing Croatian Saturday ’til 5pm folk songs available at www.freshhair.com For more information, please visit Living Folk Sandy’s Music www.nef-croatia.org RECORDS Cambridge

PATRON INFORMATION

Sanders Theatre in Memorial Hall is operated by the Office for the Arts at Harvard. All inquiries should be addressed to: Memorial Hall/Lowell Hall Complex 45 Quincy Street, Room 027, Cambridge, MA 02138-3003 Phone: 617.496.4595 Fax: 617.495.2420 Calendar of Events Available at the Harvard Box Office web site: www.boxoffice.harvard.edu Smoking There is no smoking allowed in Memorial Hall. Restrooms/Public Telephones Located on the Lower Level. Parking: THERE IS NO PARKING AT SANDERS THEATRE. Free parking for Sanders Theatre events is available at the Broadway Garage, corner of Broadway and Felton Streets, from one hour pre-performance to one hour post-performance. For some student events, patrons will be asked to park at 38 Oxford Street. Lost and Found Call 617.496.4595 or visit the Administrative Offices, Memorial Hall room 027. Memorial Hall and Harvard University are not responsible for lost or stolen property. Latecomers Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the management. Photography and Recording Use of cameras and audio and video recording equipment is prohibited. Film and tape will be confiscated. Access for Patrons with Disabilities Wheelchair accessible seating is available through the Harvard Box Office, telephone 617.496.2222 ( TTY 617.495.1642), or in person. Sanders Theatre is equipped with Assistive Listening Devices, available at the Box Office one-half hour before performance time. For information about parking for disabled patrons, call Marie Trottier, University Disability Coordinator, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm at 617.495.1859 (TTY 617.495.4801) . Please call at least two business days in advance. The Harvard Box Office Ticketing for Sanders Theatre events and more. Phone: 617.496.2222 (TTY 617.495.1642) Advance Sales: Holyoke Center Arcade, Harvard Square, 1350 Massachusetts Avenue Open Tues.-Sun., 12 noon to 6 pm. Closed Mondays, some holidays, with limited summer hours. Pre-Performance Sales: Sanders Theatre at Memorial Hall Open performance days only, at 12 noon for matinees and 5 pm for evening performances. Open until one-half hour after curtain. Ushering To inquire about ushering opportunities, contact the Production Office at 617.495.5595.

Memorial Hall/Lowell Hall Complex Staff Harvard Box Office Staff Director: Eric C. Engel Box Office Manager: Tina L. Smith Assistant Director: Raymond C. Traietti Student Ticketing Services Manager: Jason Govostes Program Manager: Ruth A. Polleys Box Office Associate: Bob Bartosch Staff Assistant: Jaclyn Campbell Box Office Associate: Amy LeBrun Production Manager: Tina Bowen Box Office Associate: Michael Van Devere Senior Production Associate: Jonathan Salz Production Service Coordinator: Ilya Luvish