Mummery

Mummery

Definition

The term is generally used in two ways:

(a) to refer to a performance by mummers, performers wearing masks or fantastic disguises.

(b) to any showy but empty performance.

Mummery as theatrical form

Mummers' Plays (also known as mumming) are seasonal folk plays performed by troupes of actors known as mummers or guisers (or by local names such as rhymers, pace-eggers, soulers, tipteerers, galoshins, guysers, and so on), originally from England (see wrenboys), but later in other parts of the world. They are sometimes performed in the street but more usually as house-to-house visits and in public houses.

Although the term "mummers" has been used since medieval times, no play scripts or performance details survive from that era, and the term may have been used loosely to describe performers of several different kinds. Mumming may have precedents in German and French carnival customs, with rare but close parallels also in late medieval England (see below).

The earliest evidence of mummers' plays as they are known today (usually involving a magical cure by a quack doctor) is from the mid to late 18th century. Mumming plays should not be confused with the earlier mystery plays.

Mummery in South Africa

Mentzel reports that the Dutch soldiers performed "dances" and "sometimes some mummery is staged by those of the garrison who are gifted with histrionic powers. The players garb themselves in ludicrous manner, but the entertainment is often good…" Staged by soldiers for soldiers, these were probably short sketches, remembered from presentations by the Rederijkerskamers of Holland. (Mentzel, 19*; Fletcher, 1994, pp.14-15)

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