Nosferatu – Capri’s 85th

As the centrepiece of the Capri’s 85th Birthday Weekend celebrations, experience one of the most influential horror films ever made as it was originally intended to be seen.

Released in 1922, F.W. Murnau’s Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror is widely regarded as the first great vampire movie and one of the most important films in cinema history. Created without permission from Bram Stoker’s estate, the production narrowly escaped destruction following a copyright lawsuit, with only a handful of prints surviving. Thankfully, this haunting masterpiece lives on and continues to cast its spell over audiences more than a century later.

For this special screening, the Capri’s mighty WurliTzer theatre organ will return to its original purpose: providing a live musical soundtrack to a silent motion picture. Before recorded soundtracks became commonplace, theatre organs were known as “one-person orchestras”, creating everything from sweeping romance to blood-curdling suspense in real time.

To bring Nosferatu to life, we’re flying acclaimed Brisbane-based theatre organist and silent film accompanist David Bailey to Adelaide for one night only. David is regarded as one of Australia’s leading silent film accompanists, having performed extensively at theatres, festivals and concert venues around the country. His musical style draws heavily on the popular music of the early twentieth century, making him the perfect guide through the eerie world of Count Orlok.

Capri audiences may remember David’s unforgettable accompaniment to The Phantom of the Opera last year, which earned him a standing ovation from a delighted audience. His ability to synchronise every musical phrase with the action on screen transforms a silent film screening into a truly immersive live performance.

Dark, atmospheric, suspenseful and surprisingly beautiful, Nosferatu remains one of cinema’s greatest achievements. Combined with the power of the Capri’s WurliTzer and the artistry of David Bailey, this promises to be a once-in-a-generation way to experience a genuine silent film classic.

Join us for the main event of our 85th Birthday Weekend celebrations and discover why, after more than 100 years, Nosferatu still has audiences looking nervously over their shoulders.