IT’S ONE of the most famous silent movies of all time.
Visionary, unique and gorgeous to watch, Metropolis was made almost 100 years ago but still speaks to us today,
Fritz Lang’s ambitious film portrays a dystopian future, where oppressed workers and the elite super rich live. It foreshadows George Orwell’s 1984 and was, for many years, thought lost.
A 1984 cinema release saw the film tinted and given a rock soundtrack but a more fuller version of the film was found, although sections are thought to still be missing.
Originally it would have been screened with a pianist in the cinema performing appropriate music to match the pictures.
Now, audiences in Reading have the chance to see just this, but with a local band on the case.
On Saturday, Year of the Kite will perform a live, original soundtrack to cult classic silent film Metropolis (1927) exclusively for South Street Arts Centre.
Matt Walsh, lead singer for the band, says: “It’s been a challenging but rewarding project to compose two hours of original, atmospheric music without distracting from the pioneering cinematography.”
This epic event follows a successful sell-out performance of an original, live soundtrack to Nosferatu (1922) for Halloween in 2018, also at South Street Arts Centre.
Ticket holders will be treated to a mix of guitars, synths, electronics and clarinet, all working together to compliment the soaring visuals of a stunning work of science fiction.
The screening starts at 7.30pm and tickets cost £12 or £11 for South Street members.
For more details, call the box office on 0118 960 6060 or log on to www.readingarts.com
