Three Contemporary Mummers' Plays

"Room! Make room, brave gallants all! Give us room to rise and fall." With those ancient words, many a Mummers' Play has begun. The Mummers Play is an ancient and traditional dramatic form, performed in villages of England and Ireland for centuries and passed orally from generation to generation. The plays came to the United States with the early settlers and found a home in the Appalachian mountains as well. Humorous, even slapstick at times, these plays point to deeply-rooted themes of death and resurrection. They are often connected with Christmastime and with the winter solstice. This volume contains three original Mummers' Plays, ready to be staged and performed. The author has provided notes for the would-be director, based on his own experiences of producing many Mummers' Plays through the years. Notes on staging, costuming and lighting are included, as are some suggested musical accompaniments. The book also reflects on the history of the Mummers' Plays as well as the common themes and archetypes found in this ancient tradition.