The Adventures of Prince Achmed

Wadaumean Productions presents Bill Ware’s original music, to be performed live with Milestone Film’s release The Adventures of Prince Achmed.

This beautiful 1926 silent film is a 65-minute fairy tale based on the timeless stories of One Thousand and One Arabian nights. Pioneering filmmaker Charlotte “Lotte” Reiniger uses an innovative silhouette animation technique with manipulated cardboard cutouts and thin sheets of lead under her camera.

Bill Ware’s score is built upon the haunting pulse of the Gimbri, also known as the sinter; a three-stringed, skin-covered, bass plucked lute played by the Gnawa people of Northern Africa. Middle eastern percussion instruments and jazz vibraphone create a unique and captivating groove, with violin and slide trumpet completing the ensemble to explore melodic motifs that match the various characters in the film.

Performances

Movie Under the Stars at OLANA:
The Adventures of Prince Achmed Evening Film Screening with Live Music!

Friday, August 19 | 7PM-9:30PM

Olana State Historic Site, 5720 State Route 9G, Hudson, NY 12534

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Bring your picnic blanket and enjoy a film under the stars at Olana! Watch one of the oldest animated films during this special evening film screening in partnership with Upstate Films. Take in the timeless story of Prince Achmed and groove to a lively score by vibraphonist and composer Bill Ware. This beautiful 1926 silent film by the groundbreaking animation filmmaker Lotte Reiniger is based on One Thousand and One Arabian Nights, a text which Frederic Church had several copies of in his own library.

The film score will be performed live by:
Bill Ware – Vibraphone
Thomas Heberer – Trumpet
Sam Bardfeld – Violin
Philip Mayer – Percussion
John Murchison – Gimbri/Bass

For all ages; $14 adults/$10 members; free for kids 12 and under.

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