Enigma of Kasper Hauser film still

Each month, Melanie Friesen invites a distinguished guest to Vancity Theatre’s Cinema Salon, in order to present his/her favourite film. After the screening, both audience and speaker have the opportunity to engage over drinks and snacks in the Vancity lounge. This month’s film is Werner Herzog’s The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser.

In May, 1828, a young man named Kaspar Hauser was found in the streets of Nuremberg holding a note. Until that day, he’d spent his life in a dark cellar with no human contact except for a man who brought him bread and water. Now, Hauser’s life in the real world begins.

Herzog finds poetry and wonder in the most unique situations. This film’s interpretation of how a person with no experience whatsoever with the outside world perceives society and civilisation is classic Herzog. Casting non-actor Bruno S. (also abused as a child) as Hauser was sheer brilliance.

As Herzog said about Bruno, “in all my films, and with all the great actors with whom I have worked, he was the best. There is no one who comes close to him. I mean in his humanity, and the depth of his performance, there is no one like him.”

The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser is a superb movie because Mr. Herzog has managed to treat the fable in stunning human and dramatic terms.” — Richard Eder, New York Times

“Norman Norman Armour wears multiple hats: curator, producer, director, actor, interdisciplinary artist. Since graduating from Simon Fraser University in 1986, he’s collaborated on over 120 works for the stage and other media.

He co-founded both Rumble Productions and PuSh International Performing Arts Festival (currently serving as PuSh’s artistic and executive director). Norman is the recipient of numerous awards, including Simon Fraser University’s Distinguished Alumni and the City of Vancouver’s Civic Merit and Mayor’s Arts awards. He’s also recently directed the premiere of Pauline, a new opera by Tobin Stokes and Margaret Atwood.

Vancity Cinema Salon with Norman Armour Presents The Enigma of Kaspar Hauser

Date: Tuesday, August 5, 7 pm
Venue: Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $13.00; may be purchased online

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