Tabu - German Taboo

If you've never been to a silent film with live muscial accompaniment, I encourage you to make your way to the Goethe Institut on Thursday night. They'll be showing legendary German director F.W.Murnau's final film Tabu (Taboo) with live music by pianist Marilyn Lerner. Tabu, filmed entirely on location in Tahiti in 1931 is described as a South-Pacific version of Romeo and Juliet and won an early Oscar for its cinematography.

I was fortunate to attend last week's show of Tartuffe (1926), also by Murnau, at which the music was provided by concert pianist Bill O'Meara. The event gave me an entirely new appreciation for the talent and creativity required to improvise an entire film score over 70+ minutes as music was married to onscreen images. It's amazing to imagine that, since all music is done on the fly, each silent film performance is unique.
Shows begin at 7pm. Entry a bargain at $5. The Goethe Institut is located at 163 King West.