| |
 |
|
| |
| Mummers' Play |
| |
What is a Mummers’ Play?
Well, it’s a good question. In academic terms it is often referred to as a ritual folk play that has been performed throughout Britain at Christmas/New Year for at least the past two centuries – and, perhaps, much longer. Although each play has its own characteristics, certain core elements of the play’s structure remain common. First, combat takes place between two protagonists resulting in death/injury to one. Second, a well-travelled quack Doctor raises the fatally injured character to life. And, finally, some form of conflict resolution takes place. It is possible that the theme of death and rebirth is reflected in the season at which the play is performed -- near the winter solstice and turn of the New Year.
Variations of this basic story-line provide the play’s dynamic and enduring quality.
The King Stone Mummers’ play is based on two old Oxfordshire plays interspersed with the participant’s own adlibbed dialogue.
The cast comprise Little Johnny Jack, Father Christmas, Princess Fair, King George, Turkish Knight and The Doctor. We can be seen around the towns and villages of west Oxfordshire in the weeks leading up to Christmas performing the play, dancing Rapper and collecting for our chosen charity, Katharine House Hospice, Adderbury. |
| |
|
 |
 |
|
|
