Hymn - Closing Ceremony The day Thou gavest Lord is ended The day Thou gavest Lord is ended The darkness falls at Thy behest To Thee our morning hymns ascended Thy praise shall sanctify our rest
We thank Thee that Thy Church unsleeping
While earth rolls onward into light Through all the world her watch is keeping And rests not now bY daY or night
As o'er each continent and island The dawn leads on another day The voice of prayer is never silent Nor dies the strain of praise away The sun that bids us rest is waking Our brethen 'neath the western sky And hour by hour fresh lips are making Thy wondrous doings heard on high So be it, Lord, Thy throne shall never Like earth's proud empires pass awaY Thy Kingdom stands and grows forever Till all Thy creatures own Thy sway.
Ng oostl
Festival Gommittee His Worship the Mayor of the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees Councillor S. Redican (President) Chairman: County Councillor Mrs. M. Taylor, M.B.E., J.P.
Director: Mr. P. T. Conroy, M.B.E. Vice Chairman: Mr. J. Maloney Councillor H. L. Davies, M.B.E. Councillor J. A. Tatchell Councillor J. Vaughan County Councillor W. W. Emerson County Councillor E. Wood Mr. M. R. Bryan Miss E. Croot Mr. l. R. Crowden Mr. A. Hanby
Mrs. L. Love Mr. F. Moutrey Fringe Activities: Mr. R. Angel Press Officer: Mr. A. Cunningham Hon. Treasurer: Mr. H. H. Wright Administrative Officer: Mrs. A. Watson
21st Billingham lnternational Folklore Festival August 1Oth 17th 1985
-
Organised by the Festival Committee in conj unction with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and
Affiliated to the I nternational Council of Folklore Festivals
(cr.oFF)
Billrngham lnternational Folklore Festival is sponsored by Stockton-on- Tees, Borough Council who give the malor cash grant and provide considera ble services. The main lndustrial supporter is l.C.l., Agricultural Division, Billingham. Considerable support has also been received from: Northern Arts The Visiting Arts Unit of Great Britain The British Council Tioxide UK Limited
eiE
Welcome Once again it is my pleasure to welcome the many people who will be coming.to Billingham from all parts of the world to enjoy for oneweek the best of international folklore. Welcome to the talented performers who entertain us so magnificently; welcome to the hundreds of local people who help us so generously and welcome to the audience who support us so loyally. Despite the uncertainties of today's world the Billingham lnternational Folklore Festival continues to give pleasure to thousands of people, creating friendship, developing mutual understanding and lightening our days. This is the 21st Billingham Festival and promises to be better than ever as the Festival Committee presents a very exciting line-up. From China something unique and never before seen in this country - Pekin Opera; from South Ameiica a combination of songs and dances from Peru, Bolivia and Chile; from U.S.S.R. a dazzling display from Armenia; and another colourful and energetic group from Bulgaria. Billingham is indeed privileged this year to see the National Dance Company of Egypt. All this and groups from Canada, France, ltaly, Poland and Spain.
What
a feast!
I am very pleased that rny friend Peter Stark, Director of Northern Arts, has kindly agreed to open the Festival this year the Regional Arts Association has long been generous to and supportive of the Festival. On -the occasion of this 21st Festival I would like to thank and pay tribute to the many people and
organisations who have supported the Festival over the years but especially to the dedication of so many local people without whom the Festival might not have reached its majority. ' Here's to them and to the next frrrenty one years. bJ t)- sr..4t ^-J
ll
^
"q
Maureen Taylor.
County Councillor Mrs. Maureen Taylor, M.B.E. J.P., Chairman of the Festival Committee.
His Worship the Mayor of the Borough of Stockton-
on-Tees Councillor Syd Redican. President of the Festiva
|
.
Mr. Peter Stark. Director of Northern Arts. who will open the Festival.
DAILY PROGRAMME
GROUPS & ARTISTES
FRIDAY gth AUGUST 1O.3O a,m. College Thoatre Opening of "Uncle Biff" Club - On
TUESDAY 13th AUGUST 2.30 p.m. Town Centro
BULGARIA
every day except Sunday. Admission by Membership Card fl.0O (Ihis includes cost of Club
7.30 p.m. College Thoatre
Badge).
SATURDAY lOth AUGUST 1.30 p.m. Town Centre
Spain, Bulgaria. S. America, U.S.S.R.
China; Bulgaria - France; U.S.S.R. Special concert organised with and iN Aid Of thE SAVE THE CHILDREN FUND (each ticket purchased carries a donation of fl.OO to the SCF}.
Caribbean Steel Band 1.45 p.m. Parade to Town Centre
Ticket Prices - Balcony, Front and
2.30 p.m. Town Centre
f
Opening Ceremony and lnternational Concert. All groups from abroad, Billingham Silver Band and Phoenix Long Sword. 7.3O p.m. - Midnight College Theatre Ceili with the Castlegate Ceili Band and Mike Walton, Phoenix Long Sword, Poland. ltaly. English, lrish and Scottish Dancing for all. Licensed Bar (subiect to Licence).
Admission f2.OO 7.30 Forum Theatre China; U.S.S.R. - France, Egypt.
SUNDAY 1 1th AUGUST 1.15 p.m. - 2.15 p.m. John Whitehead Park Judging of Floats, and Children's Fancy Dress. Music by Canada, Billingham Silver Band, NeMon Aycliffe Scots Pipe and Drum Band. 2.15 p.m. The Causeway Grand Parade with Bands, Floats, Children and Folklore Groups. 3.OO p.m. Town Centre Concert with all groups from abroad. 7.OO p.m. - l O.OO CollegeTheatre Youth Disco (12 - 16 Age Group only).
Admission f 1.0O 7.3O p.m. Forum Theatre China; U.S.S.R. - France, Egypt.
U
niversity of Russe
Pekin Opera (Dance, Acrobatics, Mime. Song, Humorous Drama, Juggling)
EGYPT The National Dance Company - Cairo
7.3O p.m. Forum Theatre Canada; S. America - ltaly; Poland.
ITALY Folklore Ensemble 'Chino Ermacora' - Tarcento POLAND Folklore Ensemble of the Agricultural Universily of 1 Lublin SOUTH AMERICA Folklore Ensemble'Karumanta' - Songs, Music and Dances from Peru, Bolivia and Chile SPAIN Tuna of Badajoz University (Song and lnstrumental
WEDNESDAY 14th AUGUST 2.30 p.m. Town Centre Italy; Bulgaria; Egypt; France; China;
Spain; U.S.S.R. 7.30 p.m. College Theatre Fiesta Night. France; ltaly - Spain; Egypt.
7.30 p.m. Forum Thoatre
Spain; U.S.S.R. (2nd programme) China; (2nd programme); Bulgaria.
THURSDAY 1sth AUGUST 2.30 p.m. Town Centre Canada; Poland; S. America;
Bulgaria. 7.3O p.m. College Theatre Canada; U-S.S.R. - S. America; Poland.
7.3O p.m. Forum Theatre Spain; Egypt (2nd programme) China (2nd programmel Bulgaria.
FRIDAY 1 6th AUGUST 2.3O p.m. Town Centre France; Poland; China; U.S.S.B.
7.30 p.m. College Theatre Gala Concert. All groups from abroad.
7.30 p.m. Forum Theatre
competilions, entertainment in all pans of the Town Centre featuring France and Canada. 2.30 p.m. Town Centre Afternoon concen for all members of the public. China, Poland. Egypt,
SATURDAY 17th AUGUST 2.OO p.m. Parade to Town Centre. 2.30 p.m. Town Centre All groups from abroad; Motley Morris, Presentation ol Pennanls,
7.30 p.m. - 11.OO p.m. College Theatre lnternational Dance Evening with performances by Bulgaria, France, Egypt. then participation with groups. Licensed Bar (subiect to Licence). Admission f2.0O 7.3O p.m. Forum Theatre Canada; S. America - ltaly; Poland.
klore Ensem ble of the Tech nical
Back Stalls f2.OO, Centre Stalls 1.50. Tickets from the Box Office and Save the Children Fund reps. The Tuna from Badaioz University will serenade concert goers in the refreshment areas during the interual.
MONDAY 12th AUGUST Children's Day 12.00 noon - 2.OO p.m. Games,
Bulgaria.
Fol
CANADA Band of the Henri Bourassa High School - Montreal CHINA
Gala Concert. All groupsfrom abroad.
International Farandole. 7.30 p.m. Town Centre
All seats f1.00. Concert by Billingham Silver Band, Motley Morris (Rmhester Sweeps),
Stewart McFarlane and'Anvil'. 9.OO p.m. Torchlight Procession starts from College. 9.3O p.m. Closing Ceremony with Billingham Silver Band.
FRANCE Folklore Ensemble'Lous de Bazats'(Stilt Dancers) Bazas
Group)
u.s.s.R. Folklore Ensemble of Oktembrjansk - Armenia WEST INDIES Caribbean Steel Band (Club only)
ENGLAND Abraham Moss Centre Theatre Company Manchester The above groups will be in residence in Billingham during the whole period of the Festival. The Lrndermentioned make occasional appearances.
UNITED KINGDOM Billingham Silver Band Castlegate Ceili Band & Mike Walton Motley Morris (Rochester Sweeps) - Kent Newton Aycliffe Prpe & Drum Band Phoenix Long Sword - Loughborough Stewart McFarlane & "Anvil" (Song and lnstrumental Group) Cashel Ceili Band (Club only)
FRINGE ACTIVITIES Tuesday, 13th August The "Well" area in the West Precinct near the sloping ramp. 1 p.m. to 2.3O p.m. Traditional music by: Nick Haigh Fiddle; Geoff Pearson Steve -Guitar; - Banjo; Jackson Jack Keane Fiddle; Ayresome Angels - Penny Whistles; Ron -Angel Piccolo
Dancing- by: Helles Belles Women's Morris; Cleveland Clog Dancers; lrish Dancing by Nina Wilson. Forum Steps and lnside the Forum: 6.30 p.m. - 7.3O p.m. and during the concert interval: Traditional music of the Northumbrian Small Pipes by "Northumbria Folk" BiIIingham Arms: CIeveland Lounge: 8 p.m. Music session with fiddles; banjo; Northumbrian pipes; lrish pipes; flute; guitars; bodhran; piccolos; whistles. lrish, Scottish, English and Northumbrian music. Free to the general public. All folk instrumentalists are welcome to join in.
Thursday, 1Sth August The "Well" area in the West Precinct near the sloping ramp: 1 p.m. to 2.3O p.m. Traditional music by: Nick Haigh Fiddle; Geoff Pearson Steve -Guitar; - Banjo; Jackson Jack Keane Ayresome Fiddle; Angels - Penny Whistles; Ron -Angel Piccolo.
Dancing- by: Helles Belles Women's Morris; Cleveland Clog Dancers; and lrish Dancing. Outside the College Theatre and in the interval at the Forum Theatre. 6.3O p.m. - 7.3O p.m. Music by the Small Pipes of "Northumbrian Folk"
Billrngham Arms:
C
leveland Lounge:
8 p.m.
Music session with fiddles; banjo; Northumbrian pipes; lrish pipes; flute; guitars; bodhran; piccolos; whistles; mandolin. lrish, English, Scottish and Northumbrian music. Free to the general public. All folk instrumentalists are welcome to join in.
Wednesday,l4th August The "Well" area in the West Precrnct near the
!NTERNATIONAL CRAFTS FAIR
sloping ramp: I p.m. to 2.30 p.m. Traditional music by:
Opens Saturday, August lOth at lO.3O a.m.
Nick Haigh Fiddle; Geoff Pearson Steve -Guitar; - Banjo; Jackson Jack Keane Fiddle; Ayresome Angels - Penny Whistles; Ron -Angel - Piccolo. Dancing- by: Stockton Morris; Scottish Dancers with Pipe Major Bill Brown. Solo Scottish Dancing by Selma Douglas. Afternoon Barn Dance in the Billingham Arms
Ballroom: 4.3O p.m. to 6.3O p.m. Music by the Castlegate Ceili Band and Caller Mike Walton. Pay at the door - 35p. Forum Steps only: 6.30 p.m. to 7.3O p.m. Cleveland Branch of the Northumbrian Pipers Society.
Billingham Forum Another colourful and interesting feature of the Festival, the Crafts Fair will again be staged in the Forum. Local Craftsmen will again be eager to display and sell their work and to show us how it is done. The survival and indeed the development of some of the old traditional crafts depend on events like this. A distinctive and prominent part of this year's Crafts Week will be the presence of five famous Polish craftsmen who have already shown their work at lnternational Exhibitions in addition to displays in their rrative Poland. They are Stanislaw KORPA, Czeslawa KONOPKA, Ewelina PEKSOWA, Adam KUCHTA and Marianna JOBCZYK, and their work includes painting; the well-known Polish crafts of decorating Easter eggs, paper-cutting and artificial flowers; painting on glass; embroidery and weaving; leather and metal work and the making of traditional musical instruments. Open Daily
-
1O.3O a.m. to 4.3O p.m.
CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES
1)
Ghildren's Club
ffre CnitOren's Club meets each morning at 10'3O in the College Theatre. Once again Uncle Biff and his gang wilibe entertaining. Membersh.ip fee is f 1 that ftniIfr incluOes the cost-of a club badge. Note gth, the August year Friday, on this begins club the day before the festival starts. Caids and Badges from the Festival Office'
2l Roseberry Branch Library Visits by gtoufs for songs, darices etc. with children participating.
Approx. 1 1.15 a.m. fiiday, 9th August
Satuiday, l Oth August
Mondai, 12th
August
Tuesday, 13th August Wednesday, 14th August Thursday, iSth August
Friday, i6th
August
China Bulgaria
South America ltalY France Poland Canada
Monciay, l2th August to Friday, l6th.August Aftern6on handiJraft sessions relating to the group of the day. i booklet to occupy children Festival Trail - holiday not only throughout the - containing but also c.rosswords' qu"stion" (written anci visual) fictures to colour etc. Those children who want to bubmit their booklets into the competition must return them to the library by 4 p.m. on Thursday, 1Sth August. The purpose behind the Trail. is for children-to learn about the countries our visitors are from in a way that is fun.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
Sunday, I lth August Disco p.mlCollege Theatre 7 p.m. - Youth - 1OCharge f 1 Admission Monday, 12th August g 1 12 noon- St. Aidan's Hall Craft Workshop
Thursday, 1 Sth August -St. Aidan's Hall 9 a.;. -1'12 noon Dance WorkshoP
-
-
Disco and the four Workshops
The Craft Workshops will be taken by the specialists from Poland who are representing their .Lr"t.v at the Working Craft Fair in the Forum'ofThey iie niiionatfigures inlheir own country, two them regularly exhibiting their work in the museums of the large cities in Poland. The-different crafts taught will be glass painting, paper cutting, embrbidery, metal and weavlng. leather --- if,"work, internationil dance sessions will be under the direction of Mrs. Joan Henderson M'A' Lecturer inbin"" at the Dunfermline College of Phys-ical gOucation, Edinburgh. Mrs. Henderson was Director' for nine years, of the lnternational Dance Course *t'li"f' has become an important feature of our annual festival.
1986 FESTIVAL
2.3Op.m.-4P.m.
".r. 13th August Tuesday, Hall St. Aidan's 9 a.m. - 12 noon l4th August Wednesday, 9;.;. - 1'2 noon St]Aidan's Hall Dance Workshop
Special Offer for a fee of f 1.50.
Craft Workshop
lnternational lnternational
The 22nd Billingham lnternational Folklore witt be held fiom August gth - 16th 1986' Festivai ' -The Programme Summary Le:flet will be available from-April 1st. Tickets will go on sale on Saturday, MaY 3rd, 1986.
TWENTY FIRST AN NIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Thursday, August 1 5th has been designated 21st Anniversary Day of the Festival. Many oroanisations from the town and district will be miting a contribution to celebrate the 21st Anniversary. There will be a series of displays. performances etc., in all parts of the Town Centre. They include: P;i;ii"g ln public; A Camp fire sing. song by the Girl buiaiiis"tiuting Activities; Keep Fit Displav; Break Oin"in'g; A B.M:X. Competition; Flower Arranging etc.
The Fire Brigade will have an engine on display
for inspection.
tne Aittingfram Silver Band will give-a concert outside the Forim from 6.30 p.m. until 7'15 p'm' All these activities are free.
TWENTY FIRST AN NIVERSARY LECTURE "The Effect There will be a lecture entitled - Folklore" of the lnternational Folklore Festival on in the Festival Club at 1O.OO a.m. on Friday, August 1 6th. The lecture will be given by Mrs. Joan Henderson M.A. Lecturer in Dance at Dunfermline College of Physical Education, Edinburgh. Mrs. Henderson gave this lecture to the 1984 Conference of CIOFF which was held in Schlitz, in the German Federal Republic. The lecture will be followed by a discussion and a film ("As others see us"). This was made by the last Japanese group to visit here in 1979 and has never been shown in public before. lt lasts for about half an hour and this particular event will end by mid-day.
HISTORY OF THE FESTIVAL
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council will publish "Billingham lnternational Folklore a booklet Festival - The First 2O years" in July. lt has been - Mr. Philip T. Conroy, M.B.E., who has written by been Director of the Festival since 1964. This publication will be on sale during the festival and will cost f 1 .
FESTIVAL SHOP
The Festival Shop will be situated, this year, in Boyes Department Store in the West Precinct.
FESTIVAL CLUB
This will be situated in the Billingham Arms Hotel. It will be open from Friday, August gth until Saturday, August 17th 9.OO p.m. until 2.00 a.m. The Programme is as follows: Friday, August 9th
Wednesday, August 14th haly - Caribbean Steel Band - Cashel Ceili Band Thursday, August lSth
Spain
- Caribbean Steel Band - Disco
Friday, August 16th
South America
- Caribbean
Saturday, August l Tth Caribbean Steel Band
named later
Steel Band
- Disco
- Disco - Group to be
Club Cards are obtainable from the Festival Office Fee
f7.00.
Please note
a) b)
Acknowledgements Back Cover and Town Centre Scenes
- Phototronrcs, Stockton.
FESTIVAL SUNDAY l.l5 p.m. - 2.OO p.m.
JOHN WHITEHEAD PARK Admission Free. Judging of Children's Fancy- Dress Competition and Festival Floats. Performances by the Band of the Henri Bourassa High School, Montreal The Billingham Silver Band The Newton Aycliffe Scots Pipe & Drum Band Chinese Kite Flying Followed by: Parade to Town Centre with Bands, Children in Fancy Dress and Floats.
All Groups, Caribbean Steel Band - Cashel Ceili Band
Festival Cassette
Saturday, August I Oth
South America - Caribbean Steel Band - Disco.
Sunday, August
1
lth
Poland - Caribbean Steel Band Monday, August
l2th
-
Disco
China - Caribbean Steel Band - Cashel Ceili Band Tuesday, August I 3th
France - Caribbean Steel Band
-
Disco
-
There will be Folk Dancing on the evenings when the Cashel Ceili Band is playing. Sunday and Thursday nights will be designated Polish and Spanish Evenings. The Management of the Hotel intend to offer special food and drinks peculiar to these two countries on these evenings. The drinks will be at cheap rates.
A cassette tape of the Festival will be
available from the evening of Monday, August 12th. lt will include a record of every group appearing. Obtainable from the Festival Shop or Festival Office - f3.50 Postage and packing 25p extra.
BULGARIA - Folklore Ensemble of the Technical University of Rousse This will be the sixth occasion that a group from Bulgaria has performed at Billingham. Older festiva! supporters will remember the tremendous impact made by 'sredetz', the first ensemble from this country to come here in 1971. They were followed by a series of exciting spectacular companies culminating in the appearance of the group from Gabrovo in 1982. Folk Song, music and dance is probably the most important art form in Bulgaria taking precedence over opera, ballet, classical music, drama etc. There is a tremendous popular interest in the country's beautiful rich folk heritage and leading performers have 'pop star' status. lt is not, then, surprising to find these engineering students from Rousse, devoting a great deal of their spare time to perfecting the traditional dance and music of their country. The group has a large repertoire which includes twenty five different dance items. Rousse is situated in the North East of Bulgaria, close to the Romanian border, but we will see them give dances from all over their country.
One hopes they will include in their programmes the Ladies Flower Dance which is one of the most beautiful items ever performed here. We know from the photographs that they will be giving the exciting suite from Thrace and dances from Macedonia. lf you were at the festival last year look carefully at the Macedonian costume and you will recognise the similarity with the dress of the Yugoslavian group-which came to us from Skopje in Macedonia last year. The group has been in existence for 1 5 years and has had outstanding successes at Students festivals in Bulgaria and international events in other countries. They have visited the U.S.S.R.. Czechoslovakia, G.D. R, Poland, H u ngary, G. F. R., Belgium, Holland and Greece. Much of their success has been due to the expertise of their Gaidarov and Director./Choreographer - Dimiter Venkov and Krasimer their musical directors Zdravko Marinov.
CANADA High School
Band of the Henri Bourassa
- Montreal
1985 is the lnternational Year of Youth. The Festival Committee felt that we should acknowledge the occasion by bringing to Billingham one group which was one hundred per cent in this category. This band comes into the youth age bracket. It is run by a parents committee who assist the Musical Director, Antonio Bernebei, in the organisation of concerts, booking halls, publicity, administration, ticket sales etc. ln addition to the senior band which is coming to us, there is also a Junior School Band which gives independent concert performances. The young men anci giris who we will meet, thus have had a long musical training. They give, on an average, twenty five concerts a year. It is a brass and wind band with a repertoire similar to the North Vancouver Youth Band which
took part in this festival on three occasions. The instruments are flutes, saxaphones. clarinets. percussion, trLrmpets. cor anglais, trombones, tubas and percussion. lt is not a marching band but will play in parades. Montreal is in the French speaking area of Canada and all the youngsters in the Band are of French origin. We may well find that many of them speak no English at all. The concerts that they will give here, cover a wide musical spectrum. ln addition to folk music of North America, the band will play Ballet Parisian by Off e nbach, L'Arles ien ne (B izet), excerpts f rom Verdi's 'Le Forza del Destino', Selections from E.T., South Pacific and Grease, jazzand popular selections. The band was selected to come here by Guy Landry who is Canada's representative at CIOFF.
CHINA - The 4th Pekin Opera Company Pekin We must make it absolutely clear that Pekin Opera is not opera as we understand it. Nor is it foiklore in the sense that we have understood the term at this festival in the last twenty years. Pekin Opera is a form of theatrical entertainment which is peculiar to China, and has been popular there since the 18th Century. Why then is the Chinese Performing Arts Agency, who sent us such a wonderful-song, dance and music group in 1982, sending us a Pekin Opera Troupe this year? They feel that the group is folklore in the broadest sense; that it will add a new dimension to the festival and that it will be of immense interest to our audiences. To show how different this form of entertainment is from our idea of Opera, we quote from the publicity sent to us, on one of the leading men in the Company, Ban Defu. "He has a good grasp of martial arts skill. He is appreciated by.the iudiences for his skillful somersaulting, wrestling, falling and fighting as well as his sonorous voice". the special characteristic of Pekin Opera lies in its fusion of drama, music and dance. The richness and vigour of the drama is expressed through music and dance using a blend of realism and symbolism with the emphasis on the latter. The stylised symbolic gestures, the rhymed verse and the rhythm of the music give rise to a beautiful and rich language of music and dance which is distinctively Chinese. a form of dramatic art complete in itself. Large movements, such as opening or closing a door, climbing a hill, crossing a stream, fighting a battle and sobn as well as smaller movements such as weaving, picking mulberry leaves, tending
chickens eic are expressed through mime and dance without the use of real objects. Because of this, Pekin Opera demands a solid basic training and a high level of artistic skill. Actors must be capable of singing, acting. reciting, acrobatics and dance, and through the mastery of these skills be capable of portraying the typical characteristics of a wide range of personalities. The music of Pekin Opera is a flexible combination of different set melodies and tunes known as Banshi and Oian Diad. The instruments which provide the accompaniment are mainly the Jinghu (Pekin Opera violin), the Jing Erhu (ttvo stringed Pekin Opera violin) and the Yueqin (moon
shaped guitar). Percussion instruments such as time beater, drums, wood blocks, large and small gongs and cymbals etc., also play an extremely important part The orchesti'a is conducted by the time beater player. The actors of Pekin Opera can be classified basically into four categories; Sheng (mainly male roles for positive characters) Dan (Female roles); Jing (Male characters who are cunning) Chou (Male characters who are funny and comical or mean and despicable). Among these four classes, the Jing and the Chou actors have their faces painted. The different patterns and colours are used to depict loyalty and treachery, good and evil, beauty and ugliness and other attributes of the person being portrayed. This is a characteristic method of expression that has been handed down and developed from the ancient Chinese tradition of masks and painted faces.
CHINA
-
The 4th Pekin Opera Company
Pekin (cont'd)
-
It is estimated that there are over 1,300 Pekin Opera stories. Some have been adapted from works of classical literature; others from folk tales and some frorn ancient operas or operas from other regions. We shall see all or some scenes from "The White Snake", "Fighting Jizhou City", "Kiang Yu the Conqueror King bids Farewell to his Concubine", "Three Beatings of Tao Sanchun". The costumes of the performers are some of the most elaborate and colourful ever to be seen at this festival and the masks of a quality we have not met before. The 4th Pekin Opera Company has amongst its members some of China's most famous performing artists and they include Ding Zhengchun, Zhao Naihua, Ruan Zuxon, Ban Defu, Wang Yuzheng. Artistic Adviser to the company is Wu Zugvang a famous dramatist, film and Television Director and a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Director of the Ensemble is Zhou Zhongchun who has spent his whole life working in this particular art form. He went to the opera school at the age of 10 and was trained there for seven years. He made an outstanding reputation in his long career of performance and is now one of China's most distinguished directors.
Because of the unique character of this group, we are arranging two special full length performances in the Forum Theatre before the festival begins. These will be held on Wednesday August 7th at 3.OO p.m. and Thursday August 8th at 7.30 p.m.
EGYPT Cairo
-
The National Dance Company
-
This group made its first visit here in 1983 and had a most successful first appearance. What we think attracted our audiences was the wide variety of programme which was presented. The method of performance was also interesting. Egypt is one of the few countries where it is traditional to present dance with music and song accompaniment. The ensemble has a huge repertoire with every dance being performed in a different dress. On their last visit they brought almost two tons of costumes and props. The large orchestra of 15 instrumentalists and singers produced first class accompaniment for the dance troupe which showed evidence of expert training in the execution of complicated routines. The dance suite performed on the gala night in 1983 was one of the most amusing items seen at this festival and the whole programme reflected joy and happiness. There were dances depicting children's folklore games, the Egyptians' love of horses, wedding festival customs, harvesting, water selling and many other aspects of everyday life.
While we shall see some of the items previously presented it has to be remembered that this group was able to show new dances on every programme it gave here in 1983. The Director of the ensemble, Mohammed Khalil, is constantly adding to the repertoire so there will be new items for this year's visit to Billingham. He received special praise from President Mubarak last year when he produced a folklore choral programme depicting the Nile's influence on Egypt. Using a chorus of 2OO children, an orchestra, the National Troupe and five amateur folk dance companies, he put together a wonderful production which certainly impressed the writer of this article, who was not present, but has seen the video. Khalil is a very talented young man and this National Company reflects his immense ability and pursuit of perfection. The group comes to us by arrangement with the Ministry of Culture in Cairo and Dr. Hamimy, Cultural Counsellor at the Egyptian Embassy in London. We are grateful to l.C.l. Agricultural Division Billingham for the sponsorship they provided to enable us to support the visit to our festival of this distinguished company.
FRANCE
-
"Lous de Bazats"
-
Bazas
The group "Lous de Bazats", which in the Occitan (S.W. France) dialect means the Bazas people. come from the Ancient Roman town of Bazas which is situated 40 miles south of Bordeaux. The town lies south of the River Garonne and at the edge of the pinewood forest called "Les Landes". The countryside is low lying marshland. The stilts which the male dancers use originate from the time when shepherds used to lead their flocks of sheep through the bogs and walking on stilts was the only way to go from place to place. "Lous Pastous Seignosse" who came here in 1978, were from the same region. They were so popular that it is surprising that we have waited six years to bring another group of stilt dancers here. "Lous de Bazats" is a very old established group, having been foundedin 1927. ln the past 25 years they have performed all over France; at many of the great European international folklore festivals and in the U.S.A.
Half of their programme is performed by the boys on stilts and half without stilts but with tfre girls
participating. The repertoire is extensive and there are items for the many special occasions where in every country it used to be tradition (in many places it still is) for all to join in the folk dances of the region. Thus we find one dance for the bridegroom, thanking him for the good wine. This is not unusual as Wedding Dances and suites are a feature of almost every country's folklore but "Lous de Bazats" have one also for the 'Stag night'. On this occasion the men drink wine from seven different barrels and naturally are a little tipsy at the end of the proceedings. Another dance is named the 'Beret' because the French tradition of wearing this type of headgear began in this region. One item is called "The Bear" because with their sheepskin jackets on, the shepherds used to look like bears from a distance. Music is provided by Flute, Accordeon and Drum.
ITALY
-
Ermacora'
Folklore Ensemble'Chino Tarcento
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Tarcento lies in the province of Udine, in North East ltaly near the Yugoslav and Austrian borders. ln the 1976 earthquake it was badly damaged; a number of people lost their lives. and many more were made homeless. The group's Director Vittorio Gritti, had a beautiful homecompletely destroyed and lived in a tent for several years until the town was re-built. Tarcento is one of the old established CIOFF Festivals and the 1977 event was a memorable occasion when groups went to the festival from all over the world a1 no charge at all to the organisers. This was an important demonstration of the part that folklore and folklore festivals can play in building peoples. bridges -supporters - between might remember Chino Old festival
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Ermacora's previous visit in 1969. The songs, dances and music played by the performers portray the authentic tiaditional folklbre of the Friuli - Venezia Guilia region. The folk costumes as well as the
accessories, ornaments and footwear are also in keeping with local tradition. The group has been in existence since 1952 and has performed at all the major European festivals. ln January t!r9 vear theV weie in San Juan, Puerto Rico for CIOFF's first festival of 1985. The group has a wide repertoire of dances and an outstanding solo singer who will make a big impact on our audiences. One of the most beautiful items is the Flower Dance which originated in Venice and became popular between 1500 and 1 600. Fresh flowers are needed for the dance and the group had to make discreet visits to the park every time they performed on their last visit. The region had strong connections with Scotland in the 16th and 17th centuries. One dance item is called the "scottish" and is a result of these Contacts; it is a contrast to the Minuets and Gavottes which were danced in the homes of wealthy Venetians in this period.
POLAND Folklore Ensemble of the Agricultural- University of Lublin Polish groups have been coming to this festival at regular intervals since 1967. This is the second students ensemble to visit us. They follow the company from the Academy of Physical Education in Warsaw who were here in 1983. They had a resounding success and impressed all with youthful enthusiasm, dash and vigour which seemed to bring a new dimension to the performances. Many universities in Poland have folklore companies so, when it was decided to include Poland in this year's festival, we asked if we could have another students group. Our connections with Poland are now so strong that we invariably get what we ask for. We thank Michel Kosinski, who over sees his country's folklore at the Ministry of Culture in Warsaw, for once again providing an outstanding group for us. lt's sad that Britain has had to refuse, for the second consecutive year. an invitation to send a company to Poland because neither the money nor a suitable group were available.
This ensemble's repertoire comprises several different choreographic arrangements. There are folk dances from Lublin, their own region. from Cracow, Silesia, Opaczna, Kashube and Rzeszow. The group
will also present the traditional dances of their nation
Polonaise, Oberek and Kujawiak. - Mazurka, programme also includes three folk rites The which have not been seen at Billingham before. They are the Wedding Ceremony of the Lublin Region. The Testing of a Mower and Folk Carnival. ln the 25 years of its existence, this ensemble has made 3O foreign tours in Europe, Asia. Africa and both North and South America. They have received innumerable awards and commendations both at home and overseas. We are certain they will uphold the high standards which have been set by this country's predecessors at Billingham. The group is under the direction of Tadeusz Wierzbicki.
SOUTH AMERICA "Karumanta"
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Folklore Ensemble
National boundaries do not necessarily define the beginning and end of a particular folklore tradition. Regular festival goers will by now have realised this, having seen the mountaineers axe dance performed by both Slovaks and Poles from the High Tatra Mountains; the close connections beiween the border peoples of Hungary & Romania, the similarity of Scois and lrish dance and music and so on.
One of the most popular traditions ever to be presented here has been the music of the Andes mountains of South America. ln previous years we have brought musical groups only and they have always been made up entirely of Bolivians. 'This year we present "Karumanta" which will demonstrate the music and dance of Chile and Peru as well as Bolivia. There are twenty people in the group. They give a programme with six couples Oaniing and a varied repertoire from three countries
tir,,;ll,,i;rer:
in a number of colourful costumes. The musicians play the instruments that we have heard her.e so
often and enjoyed so much
the lndian flutes
(Kena, Zampona etc) the Charango and the Bombo with its slow, rhythmic, solemn beat. The group seeks to bring to life at the present time the traditions of the past. Their performance is not a museum piece. They do not pretend to show the songs and dances as performed by the people as they were in lnca times. Rather it is an interpretation made for the people of to-day. The repertoire includes 'La Misa Criolla'which was composed in 1963 by Ariel Ramirez. This is a mass
Kyrie, Gloria, Credo. Sanctus and A_gnus Dei
which- is intended for use in the liturgy and is based on the folk rhythms and melodies of Argentina and the different regions of Latin America. The group has its headquarters in Paris and has performed all over France as well as Germany, Switzerland, Portugal, ltaly, Austria, Denmark and lsrael.
SPAIN
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Tuna of the University of Badajoz
Tunas have become a familiar feature at the Billingham Festival and their popularity is such that all our regular patrons will be looking forward to the appearance of this group in the concert halls, Town Centre, Club and anywhere they choose to give a song.
Much h'as been written in previous programmes about the origin and history of the Tuna movement. Many of our audience were surprised to learn in 1983 that they are organisations officially recognised by the University authorities. Here our universities attract the public's attention mainly in the sporting field, probably because for many years the centres of learning were also the centres for producing excellent teams in Rugby. Cricket, Athletics etc. The rowing crews of Oxford and Cambridge are still of the highest class and provide many members for our national squads.
It is not then surprising that romantic, musical Spain looks to its universities for the continuation of the old traditions of serenading the fair sex and perpetuating high standards of playing the country's traditional instruments. Tunas are as common in Spanish universities as cricket teams are in their English counterparts. ln some Spanish Universities every faculty has a Tuna. The sash worn with the 16th century black breeches, jackets and cloaks tells you at which department the student is studying yellow for medicine; blue for chemistry, red for law etc.
This year's Tuna will come from Badajoz University. They are led by Feliciano Ramos who brought the last group here in 1983. Most of the members are medical students. They have performed in many other European countries as well as England. At last year's National Tuna Convention their flagman won the first prize. Flagwavers and acrobatic tambourine players are an addition to the songs, guitars, lutes and bandurrias. Long may these dashing handsome young men come here to
entertain us.
U.S.S.R.
Folklore Ensemble of - Armenia We are very fortunate to have an ensemble
Oktembriansk
from the U.S.S.R. at the Festival this year. The folklore department of the Ministry of Culture has a very busy time with the C.l.O.F.F. Conference being held in Tallinn (Estonia) early in July and then they are engaged with the gigantic Youth Festival being held in Moscow at the end of the Month and early August. We thank Lev Tutikov and the London Embassy for making possible the visit of this attractive Armenia n company. The group is an amateur ensemble with the most Llnusual mixtures of persons from many walks
of life students, agricultural workers, industrial - etc. workers They aim at preserving the national traditions of their region.,The orchestra contains several rare national instruments. Their progra mme conta i ns severa I m il itaristic dances which demonstrate the Armenians struggles against invaders. There is a suite of Wedding Dances
"Haymaking"
joy of
a dance depicting the -gathering in a good harvest and "Dance
with
Spindles" performed by the ladies only where we see the girls picking up threads for yarn and knitting presents for their sweethearts. Another ladies dance is called "Naroy" and comes from the mountain area of Armenia, Sasun. There are two comic dance items; "Lapti" is about a peasant woman demanding high heeled shoes from her husband instead of sandals. After being given them she finds she cannot wear them so has to get rid of them and return to her sandals. The second is performed by three young men and three young girls. They snatch each other's ribbons and kerchiefs with the ladies winning in the end.
The dance programme is interspersed with music and songs. There are solo items on the pipes by Pafik Barsegyan and Leron Ayrapstyan. Lead singer is Karine Kazaryan and the overall director is Samuel Mamylan.
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UNITED KINGDOM During the first twenty years of the festival it has been the custom to present groups from the North East region on the opening and closing days. "London Folk" have spent a week here on two occasions and we have brought the odd group from the North West Region. These were, however, exceptions to the rule. We are beginning a new policy this year. We shall from now on show one or two different traditions from other parts of England each year. On the Opening Day we present a Long Sword Team from Loughborough and on the Closing Day Motley Morris from Rochester in Kent. The Motley Morris was formed in 1981 by members of existing morris sides who were interested in dancing and reviving local traditions. Research revealed a wealth of such rituals; one of which is the revival of the Rochester Sweeps Procession, the last of which took place in 1968. Chimney sweeps processions were once a common sight on the First of May, in and around the towns and cities of Southern England and were accompanied by great pomp and ceremony which was recorded in detail in sketches by George and Robert Cruikshank. Dressed in multi-coloured, be-ribboned rag coats with their faces blackened, the sweeps, described by Charles Dickens an inhabitant of Rochester, in 'Sketches by Boz', danced around their Jack-in-the Green as it paraded through the streets. Other notable historians and authors such as William Hazlett and Southey described the sweeps processions in great detail defining the attendance of such characters as the Lord, Lady and 'Grimaldi'type clowns who dances to the clattering music provided by the brush and shovel. It is considered that the May Day activities of the sweeps were consistent with the 'holiday atmosphere' which particular professions celebrated in their own way. The gradual decline of the sweeps processions may be attributed to the legislation banning the use of climbing boys. The invention of the conventional- chimney sweeps brushes used to-day played also a great role in this respect.
Motley Morris (Rochester Sweeps)Rochester, Kent
Castlegate Ceili Band and Mike Walton The Castlegate Ceili Band was formed in July 1980. Since then they have established a reputation for themselves as one of the top folk bands in the North-East. They play for all types of functions organised by folk clubs, PTA's etc. lnstruments are Fiddle, Mandola, Guitar and Bass Guitar. The Caller is Mike Walton who is a member of the famous Stockton Blue and Golds Team and one of the most experienced and knowledgeable dancers in the region. The group will play at the Ceili in the College Theatre on Saturday, August l Oth.
"Anvil"
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Guisborough
This local Folk Song and lnstrumental Group was formed in 1982 when Stewart McFarlane, Bob Skingle and Adrian Beadnall left the "Fettlers" to form their own group. Stewart McFarlane is well known here. He participated in a number of festivals with the Fettlers. He has played a leading part in Radio Cleveland's broadcasts from here and he has acted as compere on the Town Centre stage. The group's status has grown considerably in the past threeyears with their outstanding achievement being a performance on "Highway" in June this year. The group will appear at the final festival concert on Saturday, August 17th at 7.30 p.m.
The Abraham Moss Centre Theatre Company
Manchester "Uncle Biff" will this year be assisted by a new Troupe of performers in his daily club for children and his various other appearances during Festival Week. The Abraham Moss Centre Theatre Company are a group of young Drama students from the Abraham Moss Centre Theatre. Dave Moutrey (alias Uncle Biff), who has been associated with the Festival for some years now, manages the Theatre for the city of Manchester and noted the group's talent for working with children during their pantomime season of 1984. Dave has enlisted the help of Marcus Romer, a talented children's performer, writer and director, who has worked on the Festival's Children's programme for the last four years, to help direct the work of the company. As a new group the Abraham Moss Centre Theatre Company promise to bring an exciting new look to the children's activities at this year's Festival.
Phoenix Long Sword - Loughborough ln 1970. when Phoenix Sword began, two dancers remained from the last traditional longsword team in the village of Sleights, North Yorkshire. They were Tom Woodward and Jack Scarth and it is to these two fine men that Phoenix owe their direct link with the Sleights tradition. Jack Scarth moved from Sleights to the next village Goathland and became their teacher, - renewed bringing- structure and life to their dance. Tony Gray, founder and Captain of Phoenix Sword, was one of the Goathland musicians for a number of years, and, wishing to start a sword-team in the midlands, he sought advice from Jack and Tom about the sleights tradition. A boys team was formed at Wilsthorpe School, Long Eaton, Derbyshire, and many still remember the fine dancing of those young lads. As they grew older. Phoenix Sword rose from the ashes of the Wilsthorpe team, and four members of that team are still with Phoenix fifteen years later. Based in Loughborough, Leicestershire, Phoenix keep Sleights as their main tradition, but now also perform the Bellerby Long Sword Dance. ln addition to this they have a Mumming Play in their repertoire, and are friends of the only known Phoenix in the world, Eric.
Billingham Silver Band This is the only group which has taken part in every festival and we thank the band for theii loyal support since 1965. We also congratulate them on the progress which has taken plaLe over the years. They are now one of the leading bands in the region and last year obtained eighth place in the Nationil Brass Band Championships of Great Britain held in the RoyalAlbert Hall, London. They can be seen and heard on four occasions this year. They play as usual at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. They perform in'JohnWhitehead Park on Festivai Sunday at 1.15 p.m. and then in the parade. On the 21st Anniversary Day, Thursday August 15th they will give a concert outside the Forum from 6.30 p.m. approximately to 7.15 or 7.3O p.m. i
Newton Aycliffe Scots Pipe and Drum Band This band is well known to regular festival goers.as it has appeared here often-in recent years. They have regularly featured in the Torchlight Procession and have also performed as pai of 'Northern Folk'.
The band was formed over twenty years ago and is one of the leading pipe bands initiis regio=n. They have gained many successes in competiiions here and in Scotland. Playing their Scots pipes and wearing a full highland dress, including thelr ostrichfeather bonnets, and Royal Stewart Taitan Kilts, the band is.an inspiring sight, as well as giving a real musical treat. the band performed in its own right ^l!1s_y_ear at a CIOFF Festival in Holland in June. ln Septeriber it goes with the rest of Northern Folk to Syrii, where they will represent the United Kingdom ai the Festival of Bosra near Damascus and also give performances at Homs and Aleppo.
ICI Agricultural Division congratulates the
Billingham International Folklore Festival on 2L years'achievement and success
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