A rare screening of one of the most extraordinary and bizarre silent movies to come out of Hollywood in the 1920s will be given a dramatic twist when Sound Affairs present Salomé at Theatr Mwldan on Friday 27 January at 7.30pm. Four percussionists will perform live a score specially written for the film by Charlie Barber, playing from two giant towers placed on either side of the screen.
Adapted from the controversial play by Oscar Wilde and costing a staggering $350,000 to make, the film was produced by and starred the flamboyant Russian actress, Alla Nazimova, one of the most famous stars of her day. Her aim was to create a bold and experimental work that would raise the artistic level of American films. However conservative 1920s audiences simply weren’t ready for its erotically charged aura and rumours that Nazimova had insisted on an all gay and bi-sexual cast in honour of Oscar Wilde added to the film’s notoriety, resulting in it quickly being consigned to relative obscurity.
In recent years however, Salomé has increasingly been acknowledged as ahead of its time, in many ways, one of the first arthouse films. Designed by Natacha Rambova (the future Mrs Rudolf Valentino) the extravagant costumes and striking art nouveau sets are visually stunning, whilst Nazimova’s performance in the title role is remarkable.
“It’s a complete one off” says composer Charlie Barber of the film, “an incredible visual feast. I felt it needed a particularly dramatic score to do it justice and nothing is more vibrant or exhilarating than the sound of percussion. I think there is a real sense of theatre in watching percussionists play so thought I’d heighten this by placing the players on the towers. I hope it will add an extra dimension to the evening for audiences to enjoy.”
Tickets for Salomé are £10 (£8) and are available from Theatr Mwldan’s Box Office. To book simply call 01239 621200 or book online at www.mwldan.co.uk. Smart Phone users can book tickets by visiting mwldan.ticketsolve.com/mobile
Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan – Friday 27 January @ 7.30pm
