Commisioned by the film festival 4 ŽIVLY, I have performed back-to-back with the Slovak singer and composer Ivana Mer. The aim: to musicalize the silent film “Tabu”.
An incredible memory, because the audience clapped under the rain in synchro with the beats. It was at the Old Castle in Banská Štiavnica [UNESCO protected town] in August 2017.
On the news
Synopsis
On the South Pacific island of Bora Bora, a young couple’s love is threatened when the tribal chief declares the girl a sacred virgin.
In his final film, F.W. Murnau presents the tale of two young lovers on the idyllic island of Bora Bora in the South Pacific. Their life is shattered when the old warrior declares the girl to be the Chosen Maid and it is forbidden for any man to even look upon her. Refusing to accept a life apart, they run off to another island, one that is decadent and westernized. The boy works as a pearl diver but not quite understanding the concept of money, is soon in debt. When the old warrior tracks them down they again plan to run away but in a desperate attempt to pay off his debts, the boy dives for pearls in shark-infested waters. The boy is successful but fate seems determined to keep the two lovers apart.
The film was censored upon release to remove nudity involving natives on the island. Included among the “1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die”, edited by Steven Schneider.
Photos of the show
Data Sheet
1931
Director: F.W. Murnau
Writers: F.W. Murnau (told by), Robert J. Flaherty (told by) (as R.J. Flaherty)
Runtime: 86 min
Color: Black and White
Aspect Ratio: 1.20 : 1
Filming Locations: Bora Bora, Leeward Islands, Takapota, Tahiti, French Polynesia.
