Queen Guenevere (Abbie Desrosiers Mulberg), Sir Gawain (Terrence Bartlebaugh), and King Arthur (Morgan Duncan) at the Court of Camelot.
From December 15 — 17, Washington Revels celebrated its 41st annual production of Christmas Revels. As in years past, they did so with Celtic, American, and other traditions, singing songs of Christmas, both familiar and unfamiliar. This year they featured the magical medieval poetic tale of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.”
From December 15 — 17, Washington Revels celebrated its 41st annual production of Christmas Revels. As in years past, they did so with Celtic, American, and other traditions, singing songs of Christmas, both familiar and unfamiliar. This year they featured the magical medieval poetic tale of “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.”
Composed by an anonymous author, this classic Middle English tale revolves around a Christmas feast. As the knights of King Arthur’s famed “Round Table” celebrate, a green knight appears and challenges them to try to cut off his head! The knights, realizing that magic is afoot, are afraid to take him up on what he calls his “Christmas Jest.” Embarrassed by the cowardice of his knights, King Arthur offers to take the challenge himself.
Knowing his duty to his king, the young Sir Gawain nobly steps in to accept the challenge instead. He cuts off the Green Knight’s head, only for the knight to pick up the head and ride off, leaving Sir Gawain with the promise of a rematch in a year! The story continues to the following Christmas time, with Sir Gawain seeking out the Green Knight. Along the way he must fight a dragon, make friends, and overcome temptations. Will he be successful?
The tale was presented in an exciting way, fluctuating between regal solemnity and wonderful humor. Interspersed between the tale were Christmas songs such as “Sussex Mummers Carol,” “Dona Nobis Pacem,” and “Boar’s Head Carol,” the last of these linked to a boar hunt which takes place in the “Sir Gawain” narrative. (Indeed, a beautifully choreographed hunt is presented on stage.) “Edi Beo Thu, Hevene Quene” (Blessed Be You, Heavenly Queen) was sung in Middle English, and — in a bold move — five minutes or so of the production included the “Sir Gawain” poem read in Middle English with reconstructed original pronunciation. The audience could follow this part of the story (Sir Gawain battling the dragon and the cold) through pantomimed action.
In addition to the stunning performances by Mogan Duncan (King Arthur), Abbie Mulberg (Queen Guinevere), Terrence Bartlebaugh (Sir Gawain), Preston Jones, and Emma Jaster (the last two as Lord and Lady Berclak, the hosts of the castle who take Sir Gawain in during his winter journey), there was the excellent King’s Noyse brass band providing the music. Splendid dance numbers were performed by the “Lords and Ladies of Camelot,” which included little lords and ladies, and squires and damsels as well. Audience members joined in the some of the singing and dancing as well, making for a unique Christmas experience.
The “Sir Gawain” story is about cycles of spring to winter, of life to death, of death to renewal. This production has come and gone for this year, but can be still be enjoyed on demand until January 5 at: revelsdc.org/shows-events/christmas-revels/.
