Asheville – A unique cultural event is set to take place on April 22, 2025, at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts in Asheville, featuring the silent film The Ancient Law accompanied by a live score. The film, originally released in 1923, tells the story of a rabbi’s son who leaves his shtetl to pursue a career in acting, only to face temptations that challenge his upbringing.
Community Support for Cultural Enrichment
The event is supported by several local Jewish organizations, including the Asheville Jewish Community Center (JCC), Congregation Beth Israel, and the Center for Jewish Studies at UNCA. Geri Garfinkel-Gershon, a representative from the JCC, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “In a recent survey of Asheville JCC members, more than 60% of respondents want the J to provide Jewish cultural programming including musical performances and film. The Ancient Law is both, featuring a new musical score, live performance and a classic silent film based in Jewish culture.”
The film will be accompanied by an original score performed by renowned klezmer violinist Alicia Svigals and pianist Donald Sosin. Svigals noted that each participating organization adds depth to Asheville’s already diverse arts scene, saying, “Each Jewish organization adds another level of diversity to the already diverse arts and cultural community of Asheville.”
Reviving Silent Film with Live Music
The challenges of promoting Jewish-themed silent films in today’s cultural landscape were discussed by Samuel R. Kaplan, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Jewish Studies at UNCA. He pointed out that attracting audiences unfamiliar with silent cinema can be difficult, as many perceive it as outdated. “One challenge lies in attracting audiences unfamiliar with silent cinema and who likely perceive it as outdated,” he explained. “However, these challenges are counterbalanced by significant opportunities. Pairing silent films with live musical accompaniment can transform screenings into immersive, multisensory experiences that will resonate with modern audiences.”
Kaplan also highlighted the importance of contextualizing such films, noting that understanding the era in which they were made is crucial for contemporary viewers. He stated, “Contextualization of such a film is critical; every film is made in a certain era with cultural mores and shorthand.”
The film The Ancient Law has been beautifully restored by Deutsche Kinemathek and is considered an important piece of German-Jewish cinematic history. It contrasts the closed world of an Eastern European shtetl with the liberal mores of 1860s Vienna. This screening not only revives a classic but also serves as a bridge connecting past and present cultural narratives.
Svigals and Sosin have gained acclaim for their ability to engage audiences through their performances. Their collaboration began at a silent film festival in Italy in 2017, where they recorded their first original score for The Ancient Law. Svigals expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming performance, stating, “We have been bringing audiences to their feet throughout the U.S. and Europe with our unique and stirring violin and piano scores for Jewish-themed silent films.”
The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts is known for hosting world-class artists and events. Located at 18 Biltmore Ave. in downtown Asheville, it features multiple venues including the 500-seat Diana Wortham Theatre and the 100-seat Tina McGuire Theatre. The center aims to present a diverse array of performances that enrich the local cultural landscape.
Tickets for this one-night-only event are priced at $22, with student tickets available for $15. Group rates are also offered. For more information or to purchase tickets, interested individuals can visit the Wortham Center’s website or contact their box office.
The event is sponsored by various local organizations committed to enhancing Asheville’s arts scene, including funding support from The Sunshine Foundation for Education and the Arts.
As The Ancient Law prepares to grace the screen once more, it promises not only to entertain but also to educate and inspire discussions about cultural identity and heritage within the community.