An award-winning silent film with shadow puppets and live musical score performed by a band of witches.
From the mind of acclaimed circus composer, record-holding one-man band and self-proclaimed "theatre polluter" Samson Y Hiss, One-Handed Witch is a truly chilling entertainment experience with original film, shadow puppets and live music. Now making its East Coast premiere in Salem, MA!
A fiery witch loses her hand to an angry mob, tames wild beasts in the forest, and starts hustling small town folk and casinos out of all their money, with just one hand. One-Handed Witch is a silent film of savagery and survival.
One-Handed Witch will be screened with a live musical score performed by a band of witches. She sold out shows across the country and shook the New Orleans Giant Puppet Festival like thunder. Salem, she's coming for you!
Story
The concept for this experience came after Hiss fell off his bike in the rain on the Lefty O'Doul Bridge in San Francisco and broke his wrist. After an x-ray confirmed his swollen suspicions he started to compose organ music for one hand. One day while playing a Wizard Of Oz slot machine inspiration struck and he wrote the script for One-Handed Witch.
Music
Hailing from Oakland, Hiss credits include Poison Circus and Circus Screams, theatre works about mental illness. His unorthodox score is striking from beginning to end. There are no repeated melodies or motives for characters. Each vignette is a new piece of discordant music utilizing electric organ, toy piano, turntable, even a kitchen sink.
Shadow Puppets
The shadow puppets and film come from filmmakers and shadow artists Rita Deiola and Sara Draghi in Italy. Working with storyboards, sketches, and musical cues, they created the world of the film with light and shadow.
EVENT DETAILS
One-Handed Witch was written, directed and scored by Samson Y Hiss (USA) Shadow puppets and manipulation by Rita Deiola & Sara Draghi (Italy) Filming and editing by Marco Samsoni (Italy)
Live musical score by: Samson Y Hiss, Percussion Paul Dab, Electric Organ
One-Handed Witch is for all ages. Runtime approx. 1 hour. August 16-17, doors at 6:30 PM. Show at 7 PM.
Opening acts: August 16 - Rob Rudin's Washboard Jumble August 17 - Chasity Thompson, Clarinet (New England Conservatory)
Early Bird Tickets: $20 through June 28. General Admission Tickets: $25 ($30 at the door) VIP Tickets: $50 (front row seat, monogrammed kazoo and theatre candy) Website: www.samsonYhiss.com
OLD TOWN HALL COVID PROTOCOL
On May 11, 2023 The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared the end of the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19. Old Town Hall will no longer be requiring individuals to wear masks at public performances and events.
Location
Old Town Hall
32 Derby Square
Salem, MA 01970
United States
