Aroha - Silent Movie

Afternoon show at 3:00PM

Experience the golden age of cinema like never before with Silent Movies Live – a captivating afternoon of classic Charlie Chaplin films brought to life by live musical accompaniment.

Pianist David Selfe and percussionist Jeremy Fitzsimons perform an original New Zealand-composed score to two of Chaplin’s most iconic silent films:

The Pawn Shop (1916) – 25 mins

The Kid (1921) – 55 mins

This isn’t background music — it’s a fully immersive, dynamic performance where every moment on screen is echoed in real-time through music, sound effects, and spontaneous improvisation. With an eclectic mix of instruments including piano, vibraphone, glockenspiel, timpani, musical saw, jaw harp, and more, the duo captures the full spectrum of Chaplin’s comedy, pathos, and genius.

Composed by David Selfe and arranged with percussion by Jeremy Fitzsimons, the score is inspired by the style of 1920s movie houses, offering a nostalgic yet fresh take on silent cinema.

Presented by the Turner Centre in conjunction with Aroha Music Society and Chamber Music New Zealand, this event is a rare chance to experience a lost art form — live, intimate, and utterly unforgettable.