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Make We Joy to celebrate Winter Solstice at Connecticut College

November 25, 2008

NEW LONDON, Conn. - A cast of 100 singers, dancers and revelers from Connecticut College and the greater New London community will celebrate the Winter Solstice with the annual "Make We Joy" pageant, Sunday, Dec. 7, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. in Harkness Chapel.

A celebration of life's triumph over darkness and death, "Make We Joy" has delighted generations from all over New England since 1981. Community talents from many backgrounds and cultures fuse to create an entertaining and unique seasonal event enjoyed by all ages. The event, which is free, features Morris dancing, sword dancing, the welcoming of the Yule log, a celebration of the Boar's Head and a mummers' play -a seasonal folk play performed by a troupe of actors known as mummers or guisers.

"Make We Joy recalls the celebration of the winter solstice for which people from many cultures have gathered from the most ancient times to the present," said John Anthony, chair of the Connecticut College music department. "This spiritual recognition of the returning light persists in the traditions of all the world's cultures."

Derron Wood, a 1988 Connecticut College graduate, will direct this year's production, as he has since 1990.

Donations are accepted at the door. Seating is limited, so plan to arrive early.

Situated on the coast of southern New England, Connecticut College is a highly selective private liberal arts college with 1900 students from all across the country and throughout the world. On the college's 750-acre arboretum campus overlooking Long Island Sound, students and faculty create a vibrant social, cultural and intellectual community enriched by diverse perspectives. The college, founded in 1911, is known for its unique combination of interdisciplinary studies, international programs, funded internships, student-faculty research and service learning. For more information, visit www.connecticutcollege.edu.

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For more information contact: Amy Martin (860) 439-2526; a.martin@conncoll.edu