Silent Cinema with Live Scores
A weeklong showcase of some of silent cinema’s most celebrated films, brought to life with live scores performed by renowned DJs and some of Australia’s leading musician-composers.
Presented by Fed Square with support from Insite Arts, as part of Open Air at the Square.
Monday 16 February, 8pm
Experience one of Australia’s greatest silent films, newly restored on the Big Screen. For the Term of His Natural Life (1927) is set in the penal colonies of early colonial Australia and features an immersive new hybrid soundtrack by local DJ Lori, blending pre-recorded and live sounds.
Tuesday 17 February, 8pm
Jean Epstein’s mesmerising adaptation of the classic gothic horror story by Edgar Allen Poe, The Fall of the House of Usher (1928), features a new live DJ score blending post-punk, trip-hop, jungle and industrial techno with classical undertones, by Emelyne.
Wednesday 18 February , 8pm
A back-to-back screening of two of silent cinema legend Charlie Chaplin’s most famous films. The Adventurer will feature a rich, groove-drenched soundscape blending live instrumentation and electronica performed by Sally Ford and the Idiomatics, while Modern Times will feature the restored recording of Charlie Chaplin’s original film score.
Note: Please note the recent program change from what was originally advertised. The program was originally promoted as Modern Times (1936) with live score by Sally Ford and the Idiomatics.
Thursday 19 February, 8pm
Legends of the live silent cinema experience, Blue Grassy Knoll perform their energetic and hilarious gypsy bluegrass score to Buster Keaton’s The General (1926) in this special 100th anniversary screening.
Friday 20 February, 8pm
Experience The Goddess (1934), a landmark of Chinese silent cinema, brought to life with a new haunting soundscape incorporating guzheng, piano, guitar, electric cello, percussion and electronics, composed and performed live by Mindy Meng Wang and Burkhard Dallwitz.
