THE world’s oldest animation is coming to Mossley for a Christmas matinee, complete with a live soundtrack experience.
The Adventures of Prince Achmed is a classic film which is nearly a century old.
It sees a handsome prince with a flying horse befriend a witch, meet Aladdin and battle demons to win over the heart of a princess.
A live score, featuring over 30 instruments from across the globe, by Greater Manchester musician Chris Davies will bring a new dimension to the film at The Vale on Sunday, December 15.
Retelling one of the original tales of the Arabian Nights collection, the movie was released in 1926 and is the earliest surviving animated feature film. It has been hailed as one of the world’s most innovative and influential animations.
Made in card, cut entirely by hand, and then manipulated using sheets of lead joined by wires, director Lotte Reiniger’s exquisite shadow characters move intricately through colourful worlds of demons, witches, beautiful princesses and flying castles.
Chris’s live soundtrack, which he last performed at The Vale three years ago, was initially commissioned by the National Media Museum for the Bradford Animation Festival.
Making clever use of an array of instruments to accompany the Prince’s journey from the Middle East, to Africa, China and beyond, it has since toured across the globe.
The event also brings the opportunity to meet some of Global Grooves’, The Vale’s resident carnival company’s, larger-than-life puppets, and pick up some of the basics of puppeteering.
After the screening, budding musicians will be invited to get hands on with some of Chris’s collection of international instruments including an oud, a darbuka, a gong rack, a bowed psaltery, a zither, and a crystal singing bowl.
“Before I was asked to do this commission, I had never heard of The Adventures of Prince Achmed,” admitted Chris.
“When I first watched it, and heard its orchestral score, I felt pretty intimidated about what one man on his own could bring to it. But when I rewatched it without any sound, the ideas started coming.
“I’ve used instruments that have strong associations with different parts of the world to create a rich and evocative soundscape for the Prince’s travels.
“I too have travelled to many countries to perform the live soundtrack and am looking forward to returning to The Vale to share it with Mossley audiences once more.”
The Adventures of Prince Achmed lasts for 60 minutes and has a PG rating.
Tickets for the animation on December 15 from 2pm to 4pm at the arts venue off Micklehurst Road are £5 for adults and £2 for children, or donate what you can.
They can be bought online here or call the box office on 01457 238 089.