It was on 26th June 2009, that I first ventured onto the streets of our local town for my apprentice Teazer performance under the tuition of Cassandra Latham. I had previous experience of Morris dancing and performed at various folk festivals, however I mistakenly assumed the role of Teazer would be something similar.

It all began with a telephone phone call in November of 2008 from an acquaintance who asked if I would be interested in training for the role of a Teazer. They briefly explained what it would entail and I agreed to try it. Doing so would also provide an opportunity to be involved in a community event after recently moving to Cornwall. I had visited the home of the acquaintance and their partner on a few occasions when they were in the process of creating a new Penglaz ‘Oss after the original one retired. They were excited about the project and I witnessed the gradual construction of the new ‘Oss. It was the first time I had seen a horse’s skull and heard about the folk tradition in which they are utilised. Cassandra contacted me and invited me to attend the 2008 winter solstice festival, so that I could observe her first performance with the new Penglaz.

The acquaintance who introduced us was also a photographer at the event and suggested I wore a mask and dark clothing, as the majority of the crowd would be in ‘mock formal’ attire.

On our arrival I joined the back of the procession with my former husband and son. I then made my way to the front to observe Cassandra’s performance. The ‘Oss did not appear during the first procession so I concentrated on her movements in the procession. Cassandra marched at the front of the band in time to the music, waving to people who lined the streets. At the hill fort we stood around a large fire beacon to warm ourselves and also visited an Inn with the photographer, their partner and one of their friends.

The crowd seemed to increase in number for the second procession and once again I followed at the back with my husband and son, then gradually moved to the front.

Cassandra and Penglaz appeared out of an entrance adjacent to a restaurant in Chapel Street and were welcomed by enthusiastic cheers from the crowd. The energy was wild and exciting.

When I previously performed at festivals with my former Morris team, I was one of many performers that day. It was a little disconcerting on this occasion to see that Penglaz and her Teazer were the main characters and focus of the event. It meant there would be greater pressure on this performance. I voiced my concerns to the photographer who assured me not to worry and it would all have a positive outcome.

During my interview with Cassandra on the 26th January 2009, she said that  someone who created and rode a second new ‘Oss, had an ongoing disagreement with her, but she assured me I would not be involved in this matter.

Cassandra and I met regularly for practices at a yard owned by an engineer known to the photographer. My son and husband both rode the ‘Oss and each of them had a unique interpretation which gave her varied personality traits within each performance.

My former husband gave the ‘Oss a cheeky character, while my son being only seventeen at the time, was unpredictable, mischievous and Cassandra said he was and still is, the fastest ‘Oss rider she ever had!

Although I was an experienced dancer, I needed to develop a connection with a completely different type of energy to perform this role. Cassandra sent me explanations and descriptions of the Bucca elemental (of sea and storms) spirit that works through the ‘Oss and Teazer.

I modelled my Teazer kit on the one Cassandra wore, as the Teazer ‘cross dresses’ to represent the ‘male and female’ aspect and ‘topsy turvy’ Cornish energy. Cassandra attended a ‘guild meeting’ and presented its members with video footage of our practices, announcing I would be her apprentice Teazer and apparently it received their approval.

Our first appearance was on Friday 26th June 2009 on Mazey Eve. My former husband volunteered to ride the ‘Oss on that occasion and we were understandably a little nervous on our first appearance particularly within a community we were unfamiliar with.

On reflection I am sure many were wondering who we were and why we had been placed into a ‘lead role’ within their community festival! Just before the performance I was instructed by Cassandra to wait outside a local inn while she attempted to locate someone. A local man approached me asking why I was there and when I explained, he replied that I would never be as good as Cassandra and spoke about how long he had known her and revealed rather personal details of her life! What an encouraging start to the evening!

We prepared ourselves and Penglaz in a room at the Barbican and Cassandra stood at the open top window waving at the gathering crowd as they cheered and waved back to her. We made our entrance from the large black Barbican doors to lively music provided by the Golowan Band and cheers from the crowd. Mazey Eve is a wild celebration and extremely crowded, so keeping near Penglaz and making our way through a jostling crowd is quite a task!  I observed Cassandra closely and on many occasions our movements were naturally identical which boded well for future development.

Cassandra imbued a confidence and connection with the ‘Oss during her seventeen years of Teazing, something that would also develop within me after years of experience. One’s reflexes need to be quick due to the unpredictable behaviour of the ‘Oss and the crowd.

The Teazer’s role is to attempt to control the crowd as well as keep an eye on the ‘Oss, making space for her to move around. She also needs protection her from over-enthusiastic intoxicated revellers who step into her path, or stand too close, as this could result in injury. There were specific signals Cassandra used to direct Penglaz, to laugh, dance and also stand still if needed. The stomping and snapping move of the ‘Oss is one that takes practice as the timing of snapping the jaw and stepping need coordination. My son accomplished this move quickly and with a spectacular result.

After my first performance as Teazer, I received some positive feedback, plus a few criticisms from one, who thought I should tease in exactly the same way as Cassandra. At first I could not understand what he meant, however after years of experience I understood, as he advised me to watch her feet. Mine now move in the same way as the energy has ‘grounded’ within the performance.  Another person did not agree with two Teazers being on the street instead of one, but Cassandra explained it was the best method for training. Whatever their opinions, I knew I had done a good first performance for someone with no previous knowledge or experience of ‘Oss Teazing.  My role with Cassandra and Penglaz in Penzance continued for two years and then we were dismissed from the festival over further political issues. (See Original Penglaz Reinstated). I was relieved to be out of this negative situation within the Golowan festival, as we were then free to perform in our own way and wherever we wished. We then re-named our ‘Oss and Guise team.

Throughout the years, Boekka has had three changes of colours and image. We have also had performers and riders come and go, however what remained constant in our team was the unity of Cassandra and I as Teazers. I performed alongside her for eight years and then, after twenty five years of Teazing, Cassandra handed the role of head Teazer to me.

I have developed in this role over the years and the strongest connection and change occurred at the Dark Gathering  of 2016 after leaving a situation that was, on reflection, toxic and energy draining. The Teazer role needs total focus and I discovered that dividing my energy between Morris dancing and Teazing did not work well for me.

I now have an apprentice Teazer and new ‘Oss riders. All are doing extremely well and Boekka is going from strength to strength.

This year will be our 14th year of performance (as our team first formed while our ‘Oss was still Penglaz during 2010). I also own and occasionally ride an foal ‘Obby ‘Oss by the name of Morvargh (Cornish for Sea Horse).

I have learnt some valuable lessons in the last fifteen years and am not the same person who moved to Cornwall in 2008, however I have some fond memories of those early days.

Cassandra has asked me to mention that I am the ONLY Teazer she has taught and I am proud of this.

It has certainly been an eventful but rewarding journey!

The fun continues……

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