Secret Cinema presented The Battle of Algiers in the Old Vic Tunnels under Waterloo Station, London, UK. April to May 2011.
Checking in at Air France
For their screening of The Battle of Algiers, Secret Cinema recreated parts of 1950s Algiers in tunnels near Waterloo railway station. Actors inhabited the alleyways of the Casbah, manned checkpoints and interrogated prisoners. They re-enacted scenes from the film while interacting with the audience.
In the Casbah
The choice of a film with serious themes has seemed to split audience opinion, however those that chose to immerse themselves in the experience have posted more favourable reviews of the event.
A bolder pull blockquote that aligns to the left
French soldier
I think audience reaction has been mixed because it wasn’t a typical date movie. I, like many other Secret Cinema go-ers were maybe a little suprised that it was chosen over something more obviously accessible. Did the serious subject matter sit easily with re-enactment? It was not what I was expecting.
Bomb makers at work
After consideration, while watching the film inside the elaborate set, I decided that the live-theatre experience had managed to avoid pantomime. For me, the event had enhanced the movie experience.
It made for an interesting evening.
Reviewed by CR, May 2011.
See also
Hello,
I’m Giulia, I’d like to have some info about this event. where is the place to see the movie? and what time? I didn’t find it on web.
thank you
kind regards
Hi Giulia, the screening is now over – it was an event by these people: http://www.secretcinema.org/