Mummers Plays originated as an ancient pagan custom celebrating Winter Solstice and Saturnalia, performed in pantomime and accompanied by raucous music and boisterous noise.
The English Mummers plays are loosely based on the Legend of St. George and the Dragon, reflecting the classic battle between Eastern and Western civilization, Christianity vs. paganism, good vs.evil.
In Medieval times, Mummery became an excuse for people to go begging through the streets and into houses spreading their celebratory entertainment and hoping for a penny or two!
Half a dozen characters burst upon the audience dressed in gaudy, vibrant ‘guises’ making all manner of racket. Lovely Jolly Christmas narrates the action while the antics of the wild and untamed Straw Man entertain. Next brave St.George, the hero, fights both the terrifying Dragon and the Pagan Turkish Knight in bouts of Medieval sword play. But soon the Quack Doctor miraculously brings the Pagans back to life, symbolically reawakening the Earth from the Death of Winter. All manner of jubilation ensues as the Mummers celebrate in song and dance!
The English Mummers plays are loosely based on the Legend of St. George and the Dragon, reflecting the classic battle between Eastern and Western civilization, Christianity vs. paganism, good vs.evil.
In Medieval times, Mummery became an excuse for people to go begging through the streets and into houses spreading their celebratory entertainment and hoping for a penny or two!
Half a dozen characters burst upon the audience dressed in gaudy, vibrant ‘guises’ making all manner of racket. Lovely Jolly Christmas narrates the action while the antics of the wild and untamed Straw Man entertain. Next brave St.George, the hero, fights both the terrifying Dragon and the Pagan Turkish Knight in bouts of Medieval sword play. But soon the Quack Doctor miraculously brings the Pagans back to life, symbolically reawakening the Earth from the Death of Winter. All manner of jubilation ensues as the Mummers celebrate in song and dance!