Written by Michael David Martin
San Francisco USA
It was the year 1980, and a new decade was upon us, and Star Wars fans once again had time to rejoice. A new film was set for release, the sequel of all sequels, “The Empire Strikes Back.” As a very young child of the 80s, this meant I was about to add new Star Wars toys to my already growing collection from being enticed by nonstop commercials. It had been three years since my life was changed by my new hero, George Lucas, from watching the original Star Wars at the Coronet Theater. All the excitement of waiting in line for hours with fans of the franchise was another once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In 1977, my Vietnam veteran uncle, who brought me to see the 1st film of the Lucas empire, surprised me with another trip to that same movie theatre, and I was beyond thrilled. This was one of the best gifts a young boy can experience, where imagination and music go hand in hand. Fast forward to Thursday, May 2nd, as I geared up to see The Empire Strikes Back movie once again, but this time reimagined live by the ever-amazing SF Symphony. Another Star Wars fan joined me, my good friend Jonathan. I was excited to share with him what I experienced in 1980, with cheering crowds and significant heartfelt reactions to the magic happening on the big screen. As we arrived at Davies Hall, I knew the excitement would be through the roof. It was like walking into another Galaxy, and I’m sure there were aliens amongst us. Once the bells rang and we took our seats, the performance kicked off, and it was crystal clear that it would be a better experience than the original film screening. Conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos was an incredible musical journeyman who interpreted every note of John William’s score magnificently. All the glorious strings and woodwinds rang beautifully throughout the room as the film started, and the iconic Star Wars fonts rolled on the vast screen. When “The Empire Strikes Back” is shown with a live orchestra like the San Francisco Symphony, it’s like watching a movie on steroids. The orchestra plays the film’s iconic score live, syncing perfectly with the action on screen with perfect precision. It adds a new layer of immersion and excitement to the viewing experience. The crowd usually responds with enthusiastic applause and cheers, especially during epic moments like the Millennium Falcon’s daring escape or the intense lightsaber duels. It’s like watching the movie come to life right before your eyes, which makes it an immersive experience! The live orchestra added a whole new dimension to the film this time around, and it felt like 1980 just hit warp speed to the year 3030. The combination of stunning visuals, iconic score, and live music creates a memorable and exhilarating atmosphere for fans of all ages. Compared to when you watched the film live in 1980 as a little kid, it’s like revisiting a cherished memory from your past. Back then, you might have been captivated by the story, characters, and special effects. However, experiencing it with SF’s best symphony as an adult adds a new level of appreciation and nostalgia. It’s a beautiful blend of reliving a childhood favourite while
experiencing it in a fresh and exciting new way. The 1st part of the film flew by so fast because of all the intense action. It was time to reflect with my friend Jonathan in the lobby during intermission and take in the night’s good vibrations. I could tell by his smile he was enjoying himself as I was converting him to the dark side, lol. We both agreed that Master Yoda was our favourite character so far. Yoda is a legendary character in “The Empire Strikes Back.” He’s a small, wise, and incredibly powerful Jedi Master who trains young Luke Skywalker in the ways of the force. Yoda’s appearance is distinct, with his short stature, wrinkled green skin, pointy ears, and expressive eyes. He speaks uniquely, often using inverted sentence structure and wise aphorisms, such as “Do or do not, there is no try.” Yoda was brought to life by collaborating with two creative geniuses: Jim Henson and Frank Oz. Jim Henson, known for creating the Muppets, provided the initial concept for Yoda, and his team helped design the puppet. Frank Oz, a master puppeteer and voice actor, brought Yoda to life on screen, imbuing the character with his distinct voice and mannerisms. Together, they created an iconic and beloved character that has left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. We were ready for round two with The Empire! With the lift of the conductor’s wand, the band began to play, injecting us with an exhilarating energy that I can only describe as “The Force.” John William’s timeless score is part of my DNA, and it’s like an old friend coming to visit but joined by our good friends, the fantastic SF Symphony. From exciting characters on the screen to the multitude of characters surrounding me in the audience, I’ve found a new Star Wars memory to take home with me and cherish for a lifetime. Thank you, Davies Hall and The SF Symphony, for a night I will not soon forget! For more info on the SF Symphony, go to: www.sfsymphony.org
