The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is often thought of as the first horror film and is credited in bringing the Expressionistic acting style to the general public worldwide. It is indeed through Caligari’s extreme portrayal of emotion on the surface of the acting that makes it so original and intriguing; its strong connection with movement and music and lack of spoken dialogue is what emotionally strengthens the story of this killer somnambulist. Strongly in tune with the music accompanying it, Caligari portrays the fear of the unknown we all harbour and presents it through a style of acting that leaves realism behind. Through a modern Canadian adaptation, Theatre Encounter presented Calgarians with a beguiling evening of extreme emotion through a story steeped in Expressionism and horror. A world premiere of a new adaptation of the silent film.
Presented March 25th – 29th, 2008 at Dancers’ Studio West (Calgary AB)
Directed by Michael Fenton
by Hans Janowitz, Carl Mayer and the Baader Meinhof Collective
Adaptation for stage by Amos Altman and Michael Fenton
Starring: Val Campbell, Devon Dubnyk, Kristen Eveleigh, John Knight, Geoff Matthews, Elan Pratt, Lindsay Vallance, Elaine Weryshko and Patrick Quinn