With a smile and a tear

Six hilarious, wacky and melancholy silent films from the great universal genius Charlie Chaplin.  As was usual in those days, these films had neither music nor soundtrack. That’s why NBE asked four composers – Reza Namavar, Micha Hamel, Oene van Geel and Julian Schneemann – to write new music that seamlessly accompanies and supports the films, an authentic and contemporary interpretation of important film history heritage and an ode to Chaplin’s artistry.

Artistic director Bart Schneemann:
“I’ve dreamed of doing a project with Charlie Chaplin films for a long time. Of course there are more greats in the film world, like that crazy Buster Keaton, but in my opinion Chaplin is the universal genius. With him it’s never just about the humour. There is always something behind it. He’s the Johan Cruiff of silent film. We deliberately didn’t go for classics such as The Great Dictator or Modern Times. We show the lesser-known Chaplin from before 1918. They are really very funny and moving films that few people will know. “

The NBE worked together with Elif Rongen-Kaynakçi, curator silent film at Amsterdam’s Eye Filmmuseum and the Cineteca di Bologna, who restored the films. The result is unbelievable. The four composers were chosen for their distinctive qualities. They think eclectically, each in their own original way. Oene van Geel has roots in jazz, Reza Namavar in both Bach and the revolutionary avant-garde. Micha Hamel is perhaps the real film composer of the four. Julian Schneemann has developed his own unique style and is inspired by music from all over the world. In addition to the slapstick and fun, the program also has a serious layer, as is also always the case with Chaplin. As contrast to the newly composed soundtracks, we play Philip Glass’ most contemplative work, written for the film Mishima, a Life in Four Chapters.

In collaboration with: EYE FILMMUSEUM
COMPOSITiION: PHILIP GLASS, MICHA HAMEL, OENE VAN GEEL, REZA NAMAVAR, JULIAN SCHNEEMANN
FILM: CHARLIE CHAPLIN

when to see it

• Thu 21 Nov 2019 20.30 Amsterdam PODIUM MOZAÏEK Tickets
  try-out
• Fri 22 Nov 2019 20:15 Dordrecht KUNSTMIN Tickets
  première
• Tue 26 Nov 2019 20:15 Groningen SPOT - OOSTERPOORT Tickets
• Wed 27 Nov 2019 20:00 Kerkrade PARKSTAD LIMBURG THEATERS Tickets
• Thu 28 Nov 2019 20:00 Utrecht TIVOLIVREDENBURG Tickets
• Fri 29 Nov 2019 20:15 Haarlem PHILHARMONIE Tickets
• Sat 30 Nov 2019 20:15 Nijmegen DE VEREENIGING Tickets
• Tue 03 Mar 2020 20:15 Ede CULTURA Tickets
• Thu 05 Mar 2020 20:15 Helmond THEATER SPEELHUIS Tickets
• Fri 06 Mar 2020 20:15 Tilburg THEATERS TILBURG Tickets
• Sat 07 Mar 2020 15:00 Den Haag ZUIDERSTRANDTHEATER Tickets
• Sun 08 Mar 2020 20.15 Amersfoort DE FLINT Tickets
• Tue 10 Mar 2020 20:00 Enschede WILMERSBERGZAAL Tickets
• Wed 11 Mar 2020 20:15 Amsterdam MUZIEKGEBOUW Tickets
• Thu 12 Mar 2020 20:15 Amsterdam MUZIEKGEBOUW Tickets
• Sun 22 Mar 2020 16:30 Rotterdam THEATER ROTTERDAM Tickets