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The Christmas Revels 2003 -- Roads of the Roma

For more information, contact:
   Brooks Belford 202-723-7528; bbelford@revelsdc.org

Opening December 5th

GWU’s Lisner Auditorium
December 5TH – 7TH & 12th – 14th

Introducing:
KHANCI DOS BUDAPEST BAND from Hungary

with:
ANNA MENENDEZ, flamenco
ALEXANDER FEDORIOUK, cimbalom
SUSAN WORLAND, violin
and
ORAN SANDEL as Old Rom

The Washington Revels brings to the stage the epic journey of the Roma, or Gypsy people, from ancient India to modern Europe, and traces their passage through the great Hindu, Muslim, and Christian cultures that shaped -- and were shaped by -- Romani heritage. Rich in authentic music, dance, folklore and history, this exuberant production celebrates the origins and enduring power of Romani traditions and the indomitable spirit of the Rom. From the dazzling Festival of Lights in Northern India and Ramadan in the Middle East, the Revels boisterous caravan journeys through the swirling circles of mid-winter Balkan dances and the Christmas harmonies of the Colindatori. From there, we journey south to witness the drama of Gypsy saint Sara Kali in southern France and arrive, finally, in Spain, amidst the searing music and dance of authentic flamenco.

Veteran D.C. actor and theater artist Oran Sandel plays Old Rom, the wise, old Romani storyteller, folk-tale archetype, and de-facto master of ceremonies in this unusual production that by its very form encourages audience participation throughout the show. Outstanding guest artists including Khanci Dos, the Budapest Band from Hungary in their U.S. debut, join Revels 67-member ensemble of local performers to deliver the power and wonder of authentic Romani traditions. Local favorite Anna Menendez dances to fiery flamenco guitar, reminding audiences of the origins of the art of the Gitano clans in Andalusia. Ukrainian artist Alexander Fedoriouk, known for his work with the band Harmonia, delivers the beautiful strains of the cimbalom -- a cousin of the hammer dulcimer -- and, with violin virtuoso Susan Worland, evokes the world of the vardo, or caravan.

The Khanci Dos Budapest Band brings a raw and stirring power to this dynamic production that is skillfully crafted from the rich but troubled history of the Romani people (now Europe’s largest minority population). The Band’s six musicians, members of Hungary’s three main Roma tribes, make their U.S. debut with this production and related appearances. Through their performances and recordings, including their internationally available CD “No Limits,” these important “tradition bearers” seek to promote worldwide understanding and acceptance of Romani culture and peoples.

Khanci Dos will perform also at a family-friendly Dance Party at the Glen Echo Park Bumper Car Pavilion on November 20, co-sponsored by the World Music and Dance Institute, and at a Family Concert at the Takoma Theater on November 22, co-sponsored by the Folklore Society of Greater Washington. Additional appearances include the Washington Revels Gala Benefit at The Fairmont Hotel on November 21, the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage on November 28th, and the Library of Congress, December 10.

Revels talented ensemble cast is comprised of professional caliber local volunteers many of whom have performed or assisted in Revels productions in the past and are active in the Metro area’s traditional dance, and choral and folk music communities. This year’s chorus includes 20 children and teenagers, in addition to 47 adults.

The Christmas Revels production team includes long-time Revels director Roberta Gasbarre; Grammy-award-winner Charlie Pilzer and Judith Harrison as music directors; Helen Hayes-winning costume designer Rosemary Pardee; and dance masters Larry Weiner and Cathy Lamont from Washington’s well-established folkdance community.

Performance & Ticket Information:

The Christmas Revels 2003 – Roads of the Roma
  December 5-7, 12-14; matinee and evening performances
  George Washington University’s Lisner Auditorium
  21st & H St., NW, Washington, DC (Metro stop: Foggy Bottom)
  Tickets: (adult) $38, $25, $18 (youth) $20, $15, $12; youth tickets half-price 12/5 & 12/12
  Tickets on sale through Tickets.com (phone: 703/218-6500; online: www.tickets.com)

For more information: www.revelsdc.org

About the Washington Revels

An established non-profit cultural institution in D.C. for over 20 years, the Washington Revels is dedicated to reviving and promoting communal, seasonal celebrations. Featuring the music, dance, drama and folk tales of a particular place and time, each Revels production enables audiences of all ages to experience age-old cultural traditions that affirm and support our shared community. The Washington Revels is one of twelve affiliated organizations across the country whose parent organization, Revels, Inc. in Watertown, Massachusetts, was formed by John Langstaff, concert baritone, music educator and prize-winning author.

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