
“Tales from Ellis Island”, December 1924: At this gateway to the New World, recently enacted regulations delay entry for immigrants, requiring everyone to spend Christmas Eve there together before being cleared to enter. Families from Germany, Russia, and Ireland are stranded, along with the Mexican medical personnel. They begin to interact, and they learn of the trials they all have faced in their homelands: poverty, pogroms, famine, plus the lingering effects of WWI and earlier wars. As they become aware of each other’s traditions and stories, they recognize and understand their common bonds as well as their differences. They find ways to communicate and commiserate and – ultimately – to celebrate the time of year and the special aspects of the season. With a large cast of actors, singers and musicians, our production features Jewish, Irish, and Mexican seasonal traditions in song, dance, and storytelling.
Saturday, Dec. 16th, 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM, Sunday, Dec. 17th, 2:30 PM
Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St. Tickets & more info
Join us and be joyous!
THE REVELS: A Winter Solstice Celebration, “Tales from Ellis Island”, December 16th and 17th, Lobero Theatre. Tickets & more info
December 1743: The Laird's neighbors gathered at his great manor-house to celebrate Hogmanay, or New Year's Eve. Tempers flared as the Clans converged, then subsided when the guests mingled, singing much-loved melodies, taking a cup together, dancing lively reels, and relating favorite stories. Suddenly, an unwelcome visitor appeared. Then, a mystery guest was revealed. Finally, a child's questions elicited a true understanding of the Yuletide.
See photos and download the program booklet on the 2022 Gallery page.
Santa Barbara Revels celebrates a diverse range of cultural traditions by blending music, dance and storytelling in our staged celebrations of the Winter Solstice and other seasons.
We present a number of public events throughout the year. From concerts like Equinox to more informal community pub-sings, there is always an upcoming Revels happening.
The highlight of our season is The Revels, a joyful theatrical celebration of the winter solstice that travels the world each year showcasing cultural traditions including music, dance, and folktales.
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