Ballet Mécanique & Afgrunden

Experience a unique journey through the realms of silent film and evocative music with *Ballet Mécanique & Afgrunden*. This extraordinary program pairs two seminal works—the groundbreaking Dada film *Ballet Mécanique* and the haunting Danish silent film *Afgrunden* (The Abyss)—with a captivating live score by Jonas Engel and Marlies Debacker. Prepare to be transported by *Ballet Mécanique*, the first silent film, a pioneering work from 1924. Witness a mesmerizing ballet of everyday objects—pots, dishes, and more—deconstructed and abstracted in a post-Cubist style. Marlies Debacker's subtle, atmospheric soundscape provides a perfect backdrop for this rhythmic exploration, inviting spontaneous and composed soundscapes to emerge. Following this, delve into the evocative world of *Afgrunden*, a 1910 film that explores the complexities of freedom, dependency, and confinement. Set in Denmark, the film follows a house teacher whose summer visit to a circus unlocks profound emotional depths. Engel and Debacker’s music expertly navigates this narrative, ranging from intimate passages to moments of dramatic intensity, mirroring the film’s exploration of inner turmoil and the potential for liberation. The program’s music draws inspiration from unexpected sources – echoes of Underworld's iconic "Moaner" from the 1997 *Batman* soundtrack resonate throughout – creating a captivating interplay of memory and emotion. Just as the silent films employed dramatic light and shadow to convey narrative and psychological depth, the music amplifies these visual elements, plunging you into the characters' internal struggles. Join us for a truly unforgettable cinematic and musical experience.