Mummering on Trial: Custom and Controversy

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Date: Dec 7
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Where: Theatre
Mummers Festival

In the 1800s, mummers in Newfoundland had a reputation for rowdy and violent behaviour that threw the custom into controversy. Local men regularly appeared in court accused of committing assaults and other offences while disguised as mummers. Commentators hotly debated the custom’s role in society, how it influenced Newfoundland’s reputation in the world, and what should be done about it—the kind of questions that still spark discussion around mummering today!

The Rooms Provincial Archives holds records of more than 30 criminal cases involving mummers, most dating from the 1830s to the 1870s. In this presentation, Joy Fraser explores the stories they tell about the custom and the controversy it created.

This is a free event but a ticket is required. Please reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709)757-8090.

This program is in collaboration with The Mummer’s Festival.