Dartington Morris presented a day of dance, music and theatre based on the legend of Brutus in Totnes on Saturday 8th July 2023.
Summary the day:
11:00am - Vire Island performances (story, dancing)
12:15pm - Brutus Stone in Fore Street
12:45pm - Totnes Museum courtyard
1:00pm - Lunch at King William (with music session)
3:00pm - St Mary's Church (Mummers' Play)
4:00pm - Rotherfold
Starting at Vire Island at 11.00am we introduced the amazing story of Brutus and his connection with Totnes. We were joined for the day by visiting side Charlbury Morris from just north of Oxford, who danced alongside Dartington Morris throughout the day.
After dancing on the Plains next to the Waterside Bistro, we processed up Fore Street to the site of the Brutus Stone, where the legend was summarised and a celebratory song was sung. We visited Totnes Museum, where we collected the carved replicas of the Totnes and City of London coats of arms.
After a lunch and music break at the King William IV, we processed to St Mary's Church in time for a 3pm start. Here we performed the legend of Brutus in its entirety in the form of a traditional mummers play. We were joined by Mayor of Totnes who watched the performance and stayed also to watch the following Morris performances from both Dartington and Charlbury sides. She closed the performance with some much-appreciated words of encouragement.
After a tea break, Charlbury Morris and some of Dartington continued to the Bay Horse Inn for an evening session of music and song.
We hope that all those that came along to watch and participate enjoyed our performance and we welcome your comments!