Cabiria in Newcastle

We will be showing the greatest film of the era, Giovanni Pastrone's Cabiria (1914) at a special showing at the Star and Shadow Cinema, Newcastle. Made with towering sets, thousands of actors and limitless ambition, Cabiria was so great that Griffith copied it, Fellini paid it homage and Scorsese is still in awe of it. It is the film that defined its epoch and that launched the career of Maciste, who was created by the screenply's author, literary genius Gabriele D'Annunzio.

Set in Sicily and Carthage during the Second Punic Wars (218-202BC), the film follows the adventures of Cabiria, a young Roman girl who is kidnapped and sold to the Carthaginians who plan to sacrifice her. Fortunately, she is rescued from the temple by a Roman spy and his muscular slave, Maciste, and becomes the maid of Sophinisba, Queen of Carthage. The Romans must struggle against Hannibal's Elephants in the Alps and the awesome Carthaginian Navy before they can rescue Cabiria. Will they succeed?

This Italian National Cinema Museum restoration has beautiful colours and image quality. It is far superior to the grainy black and white copies currently available on DVD. This restoration has only been shown three times in public before, and never before in the UK. The film will be introduced by Dr. Stefano Cracolici from the Durham University Italian Department.

With local composer Mark Carroll accompanying the film on the 'cello and a haunting Vietnamese stringed instrument, the đàn gáo, it promises to be a breathtaking cinematic experience. Cabiria be shown on Wednesday 30th November from 7:00pm until 10:00pm (approximately).

About the Venue

The Star And Shadow Cinema is in Battlefield, Newcastle Upon Tyne, on the corner of Stepney Bank and Crawhall Road.

The nearest Metro station is Manors. Turn right out of the station, and turn right up New Bridge Street. You'll see it on the right about 5 minutes walk up the road, next to the Tanners pub. Buses 6B, 12, 22, 39, 40, 62, 63, 106, 301, 302 all stop just around the corner. Ask for the New Bridge Street stop. There is no car park at the cinema.

The bar, cinema and toilets are all fully wheelchair accessible. As yet, it does not have a hearing loop system.

Admission to the Star and Shadow Cinema is £5 (£3.50 for concessions), with a £1 joining fee. Tickets cannot be reserved in advance. The cinema will not turn anyone way, so if you prefer to make a small (or no) donation, you will still be very welcome.