Tonight’s screening of the 1928 German rarity Tragödie im Zirkus Royal (Ghosts of the Night) will be accompanied with a new piano score by the young Italian composer Barbara De Biasi, who will also be playing her own compositions for piano and live electronics for a selection of short films in the first part of the programme.

Ellen Kürty and Bernhard Goetzke in Tragödie im Zirkus Royal (1928)

In our main feature, the action centres on a troupe of aerial acrobats, whose successful show is brought to a halt following the tragic death-plunge of Armand when his love for fellow artiste Ziska is unrequited – for Ziska is in love with another colleague, Frank. Forced to make ends meet in a third-rate travelling circus, the remaining trio’s fortunes take a turn for the better when they reprise their original act with a “radio-mechanical” robot in place of Armand. However, with the inventor Dr Magirus’s love for Ziska also firmly rejected, the stage is set for further tragedy …

A review at the time of the film’s release praised both Alfred Lind’s direction and Edgar E. Ziesemer’s camerawork, particularly in their faithful portrayal of the life of the trapeze artistes. Bernhard Goetzke was felt to be rather a theatrical villain, while Ellen Kürty (also Kürti) gave what was described as a naturalistic and sympathetic performance as Ziska. Picked out as a particularly noteworthy achievement was the performance of Siegfried Arno (the former stage comedian who acted in 90 films in Germany, including Pandora’s Box, before moving to Hollywood), as ageing artiste Atto.

Barbara De Biasi is currently studying composition at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. www.barbaradebiasi.com

Doors open at 18.30 for a 19.30 start, and the event is expected to end at 22.30.

Refreshments will be available.

Tickets & Pricing

Autumn Season 2012 ticketing applies. Advance tickets may be purchased from WeGotTickets.