Blackface and Morris dancing
Videos
Multiple theories exist about the origins of the theatrical practice of blackface as a caricature of black people. One interpretation is that it can be traced back to traditions connected with Morris
Silurian Border Morris Men, at Saddleworth Rushcart, August 2013
A small statue of a "Moriskentänzer" made by Erasmus Grasser in 1480 for Old Townhall in Munich, one of a set of 16, of which only 10 remain. This dancer has an appearance which would be described at the time as "moorish", but all the other 9 surviving carvings are fairer-skinned. All wear bells on their legs.
The Widders dancing at Chepstow Apple Day, 2013
Mummers' play
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Mummers' plays are folk plays performed by troupes of amateur actors, traditionally all male, known as mummers or guisers. The term refers especially to a play in which a number of characters are call
Blackface and Morris dancing
…want people from all races and backgrounds to share in this pride and not be made to feel unwelcome or uncomfortable by any element of a performance. Mummers plays…
St. George slays the dragon in a 2015 Boxing Day production by the St Albans Mummers.
Mummers performing in Exeter, Devon in 1994
The Doctor brings St George back to life in a 2015 production by the St Albans Mummers.
Weston Mummers perform at the Packhorse Inn, Southstoke on Boxing Day, 2007.