For a long while now, I’ve been working on a project that I haven’t spoken too much about.  This project has been in the works for over year, and is starting to gear up towards a full production.  We’ve referred to it as the “Silent Film Project” but a while back we gave our group a name: Keystone Theatre.  The goal of this project is to create on the stage the style of performance we know as the silent film comedy.

If you’re one of those poor people who hasn’t ever seen a silent film, here’s one of my favourite Buster Keaton films: Cops.

Part 2
Part 3

Of course, there’s a lot that has to go into this.   You can’t simply do what’s done on the screen.  We don’t have camera changes, can’t do close ups, can’t speed up the film.  And since its done before an audience, we have to make sure that the folks at the back of the theatre can see what’s going on.  This has necessitated the creation of a new performance style that we’re creating, in order to translate the silent style for the stage.

Why am I talking about this now?  I’m glad you asked.  Soon, I’ll be posting details about an upcoming fundraiser for this production that will take place in November.  I want to give you plenty of notice, so that you can come out and see both some great silent films, some exciting performances, and some examples of the style we’re creating.

Watch for more.