April 7, 2014 | Theatre,

CHECK OUT THESE FILMS, MUSIC, AND BOOKS RELATED TO LEBENSRAUM

Compiled by Mara Santos

FILM

The Scarecrow  (1920)

This Buster Keaton short from 1920 was the primary inspiration behind Lebensraum. To watch all twenty minutes of it and peak at what the Lebensraum set will look like, click here! In addition to the captivating slapstick humor of Buster Keaton, you may find a new Rube Goldberg trick or two to use around the house!
The Artist (2011)

When The Artist won the 2011 Academy Award for Best Picture, it revived the beauty of the silent movie. Keeping true to the silent movie form, The Artist, shot in black and white, tells the story of the transition from the silent film’s golden era to emergence of “talkies”. Filled with physical comedy, heart-break, and the glamour of film, The Artist takes you to different world without saying a word.

 

 

The Three Stooges (2012)

Based on the iconic slapstick comedy of the original three stooges, Moe Howard, Larry Pine, and Curly Howard, another brother duo, Peter and Bobby Farrelly, modernized the stooges for this 2012 movie. Keeping the format of the original shorts through what the movie calls “episodes”, it captures the timeless quality of physical comedy and passes it down to another generation. Laughs for the whole family to enjoy!

 

 

 

MUSIC

Black Cat John Brown (2006) – Alamo Race Track

This 2006 Alamo Race Track album put them on the map. The international album could blend in with any coffee shop’s playlist. It led to a nearly sold out tour and helped them catch the attention of Jakop Ahlbom, resulting in the enthralling collaboration that is Lebensraum.

 

 

The General – Original Soundtrack 

Enjoy the soundtrack of Buster Keaton’s The General and be amazed as the action starts appearing in your mind! Not only Buster Keaton’s most famous work, The General also continues to be ranked as one of the best films ever made, despite the technological achievements made since 1926. Enjoy all of the excitement that a full silent film score has to offer!

 

Helplessness Blues – Fleet Foxes

Commonly compared as Alamo Race Track’s American counterpoint, enjoy the indie sensation, Fleet Foxes, most recent album. Similarly to their first album, titled Fleet Foxes, Helplessness Blues soared through reviews and critical acclaim. Rumor has it that their third album is currently in the works.

 

 

 

 

BOOKS
Silent Movies: The Birth of Film and the Triumph of Movie Culture – Peter Kobel

This 2007 collection is a must have for any film buff. Bound with images from the 1890s conception of silent film through the golden age of the 1920s, it tells the story of epic history of silent movies with zeal. It includes modern applications of the technique and how it has influenced current artists like Martin Scorsese, who wrote the preface.

 

Devised and Collaborative Theatre: A Practical Guide – Tina Bicât and Charles Baldwin

This guide is the key for anyone breaking into the world of any non-text-based theatre. Opening with with the essential trust building exercises for an ensemble through the implication of research on a particular topic during the rehearsal process. It helps people create a rehearsal environment that is inviting for exploration and helps break down the devising process of new works for beginners.

 

My Wonderful World Of Slapstick – Buster Keaton and Charles Samuels

Originally published in 1960, Buster Keaton’s autobiography tells the story of his childhood, as a member of a family vaudeville act, and how that influenced his iconic comedic film career. The narrative gives insight into his life and the realities of silent film stars in the early twentieth century.