Two different folk cultures will come together this Wednesday night (31st March) for the latest film screening at the Centenary Centre.
Films in Peel is showing the Isle of Man premiere of Morris: A Life With Bells On (Cert 12), a documentary-style comedy about a group of Morris Dancers.
And to add a further dash of colour to the evening, the film will be preceded by a short performance from Perree Bane's junior Manx dance group (pictured).
Films in Peel committee member Jenny Oliver said, "We love to make our cinema evenings more of an event by including something topical for our audience and to have some live Morris dancing before we show the film is just great.
"We like to collaborate with other community groups, so are pleased the traditional dance group Perree Bane are available to dance for us on the 31st."
Morris dancing is not something you would normally associate with the traditional manx group Perree Bane, however, over the past couple of months, younger members of the group have been learning the Cotswold Morris dance ‘Lads a Bunchum’ in preparation for the Manx Music Festival.
Representative for the group, Carol Hayes, said, "The nearest to Morris dance that we have on the Isle of Man is the dance Mylecharane’s March; a dance for six men each carrying two stout sticks which they clash with gusto, sometimes causing injury to fingers!
"The dance was traditionally performed as part of the Christmas ‘Foolish Fortnight’ with the fiddler playing a key role. At the end of the dance the sticks are drawn closer around the fiddler until the dancers cry “Cutting off the fiddler’s head!”
Jenny added, "Our audience need not worry – there will be no injured fingers or cutting off of heads but simply a lovely introduction to our film by a young group of lively and dedicated dancers. Don’t miss it!"
Perree Bane takes its name from the white collarless jacket worn by the male members of the group. Since their formation in 1982 Perree Bane has been active in promoting Manx culture through dance and music, not only at local festivals but also at festivals further afield such as Cwlwm Celtaiid and Llangollen Eistedfodd in Wales, Lowender Peran in Cornwall, and Sidmouth Folk Festival in Devon.
Perree Bane has a strong tradition for working innovatively with traditional dances. However, in recent years the younger members have enjoyed working on and performing lively original dance compositions.
Perree Bane always welcomes new members who have an interest in learning the dances or playing the tunes. More information about the group, upcoming events and dance courses can be found on the website.
More About the Film
Morris: A Life With Bells On has become a cult hit following its release last year. Its follows the fortunes of one of Britain's leading Morris teams, Millsham Morris, and their leader Derecq Twist, who harbours ambitions to evolve a daring, avant-garde, freefrom Morris style.
The opposition he encounters from the traditional Morris fraternity sets Derecq and his 'Extreme Morris' men off on a journey of adventure, adversity and love. A feel-good film in the tradition of The Full Monty, its affectionately mocking style will also appeal to lovers of Spinal Tap and Strictly Ballroom!
Directed by Lucy Akhurst, the film's sterling cast includes Derek Jacobi, Harriet Walter, Greg Wise, Naomie Harris and Ian Hart.
Tickets are available in advance from Celtic Gold (Peel), ?4 full price and ?3 concessions. Reservations can be made at Shakti Man (Ramsey), Thompson Travel (Port Erin) and Peter Norris and Mostly Manx (Douglas) which will guarantee you a seat, payable on the door.
Any unsold tickets available on the door. The film starts at 7.45pm and doors open half an hour before screening.
For further information and a full programme, go to www.centenarycentre.com. If you would like to join the mailing list or have any comments or suggestions, please write to filmsinpeel@manx.net.
