Blood of a Poet

One of the true classics of the cinema and a key work of Surrealism, Jean Cocteau‘s first film Blood of a Poet (1930) is an aesthetic tour de force consisting of a series of episodes and imaginary events.

Exploring the technical capabilities of film to magically transcend time, the strange and disturbing images and trick photography represent Cocteau’s unique view of “the poet’s inner self”. Cocteau’s combination of visual poetry and theatrical camp makes this a rich, fascinating and enigmatic film. Charlie Barber‘s new score is performed live by four musicians.

Music + direction: Charlie Barber

Musicians: Nick Williams (oboe), Aibhe Smythe (violin), Alison Lambert (bass clarinet), Hugh Wilkinson (percussion)

Technical support: David Abra, Earl Barton, Matt Davison

Recording engineer: James Clarke, Ty Cerdd studio

Administration: Helen Bowler

Marketing: Stephan Stockton

For the film: Jean Cocteau (Director); Georges Périnal (Cinematography); Jean d’Eaubonne (Production Design); Coco Chanel (Costume)

Film cast: Enrique Rivero (Poet); Elizabeth Lee Miller (Statue); Jean Desbordes (Louis XV Friend); Féral Benga (Black Angel)

Videos

Chapter 3 – Scars of the Poet

Chapter 4 – The Statue and the Mirror

Chapter 5 – Hotel of Dramatic Follies

Chapter 6 – The Mysetries of China

Chapter 13 – Black Angel

Chapter 15 – Epilogue

Calendar

29.10.06	CARDIFF	Chapter Arts Centre
01.11.06	CRANBROOK	Queens Hall
03.11.96	AMMANFORD	Miners Theatre
04.11.06	LEICESTER	Phoenix Arts
05.11.06	NORWICH	Arts Centre
07.11.06	LLANTWIT MAJOR	St Donats Arts Centre
09.11.06	ABERYSTWYTH	National Library of Wales
10.11.06	HOLYHEAD	Ucheldre Centre
15.11.06	PORTSMOUTH	New Theatre Royal
16.11.06	SWANSEA	Dylan Thomas Centre
17.11.06	MOLD	Clwyd Theatr Cymru
18.11.06	SHEFFIELD	Showroom
19.11.06	BASINGSTOKE	Central Studio
02.12.06	LONDON	Barbican Cinema