Bent Frequency plays Cabinet of Dr. Caligari at Plaza Theatre

CRITIC’S PICK
Wed., Oct. 15

It’s likely that most readers are familiar with ‘The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.’ The 1920 silent film directed by Hans Janowitz and Carl Myer is one of the best known examples of early cinema and a cornerstone work of German Expressionism. With its creepy plot about mind control, murder and mental illness set in a fantastical dreamworld, it’s an ideal film for Halloween.

It’s also ripe for the sort of wildly imaginative live soundtrack, which Bent Frequency can bring to the party. If you’ve only seen ‘Caligari’ on television or remember it from film history class, here’s your chance to watch it in all of its horrifying glory on a big screen with superlative musical accompaniment.

The screening of ‘The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari’ marks the beginning of Bent Frequency’s 2025-26 season, which includes new and time-honored music for chamber ensemble by the likes of Juraj Kjoš, Dorothy Hindman and Alvin Singleton (Dec., 11); Phil Kline’s ‘Unsilent Night,’ a strolling sound installation in Candler Park (Dec. 12); as part of the SoundNOW New Music Festival, the world premiere of ‘Grimoire II,’ a theatrical piece by Kyle Rivera (Feb., 1); work by winners of the 5th annual Underscore competition and a special performance of Steve Reich’s masterwork ‘Music for 18 Musicians’ (May 3) – Doug DeLoach