A local resident is looking to form a traditional Morris troupe (called a ‘side’) in Oswestry in a style known as Border Morris. A high-energy, traditionally rowdy style of English folk dance originating from the Welsh border counties of Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
It is characterised by stick-clashing not waving of hankies, simple stepping to music, vibrant ‘tattered rag coats’ and heavily disguised faces using masks or grease paint. The use of face paint was used as a form of disguise that goes back to performing (dancing or mumming) by the labouring classes to extra raise money.
It enabled performers to go unrecognised and avoid being victimised by their landlords or prosecuted for begging. The disguise also taps into deeper traditions of anonymity, mystery, the supernatural, eeriness and the dark side. Some ale or cider drinking may also be involved as that is also very traditional!
Historically, Morris dates as far back as Tudor times. Border Morris was performed by agricultural labourers during the winter months as a form of busking or cadging to earn extra money. Today Border Morris is kept alive by lively, mixed-gender troupes across the UK who perform at local pubs, folk festivals and community gatherings.
Organiser Mike Lade said, ‘I was born in Sussex as a proud Sussex man where there were lots of Morris troupes. Albeit in a different style, so I have always had an interest in its history, its tradition, but most of all the fun they have. I believe it is so important to keep these old traditions to remind us of our roots. It’s a bit of escapism in this day and age of course but its more than that! It’s good for keeping fit and for our mental well-being as a bonus! I need dancers and musicians for this journey so if you want to be involved or just find out more please contact me.’
We will also have ‘followers’ who can come along and support us and of course also dressed in the same as the dancers and musicians. It’s fun for all.
The new Oswestry Dark Morris welcomes anyone of 18plus who wishes to be part of this new project as a dancer (no prior experience required), a choreographer or as a musician with their own instrument on flute, tin whistle, fiddle, guitar, recorder, banjo, accordion, concertina or drum etc then please contact Mike on 07803 038858 or via email at mikelade1975@gmail.com.
Picture shows some of the Beltane Border Morris from Dartmoor, Devon that are in the same costume style as the proposed Oswestry Dark Morris.
Photo credit: Beltane Morris
