ALBANY — The zombies are coming. And, before they take over the world, it might be prudent to learn as much about them as possible.
From Thursday, Oct. 13 to Sunday, Oct. 16, the Madison Theater in Albany will offer just that opportunity with six zombie-themed films, lectures, open discussions and book signings. Zombie costumes are strongly encouraged and zombie makeup will be provided.
Zombie-Fest kicks off Thursday, Oct. 13 with “Juan of the Dead” and “Monster Squad” at 7 p.m. On Friday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m., guest lecturer David Schmid, an English professor at the University of Buffalo, will talk about the classic movie “Night of the Living Dead” and sign copies of his books. Schmid is the author of “Natural Born Celebrities: Serial Killers in American Culture,” “True Crime,” The Devil You know: Dexter and the ‘Goodness of American Serial Killing and other works on murderabilia and murder culture.
“I’ve always believed that violence and celebrity both provide great windows into the workings of a society. In other words, show me what criminals are famous in a particular culture and I can tell you a lot about that culture’s values and what makes it tick,” he said on the UB website. “The monsters I’m most interested in are the ones that exist in plain sight.”
Also Friday, starting at 8:30 p.m. there will be a zombie party complete with zombie costume contest, live music and you can get your face “zombie up” with special effect face paint artists.
As for movies on Friday, there will be a showing of the classic “Night of the Living Dead” at 6:30 p.m. and “Monster Squad” and “Juan of The Dead” at 7 p.m.
On Saturday, there will be a zombie talk and book signing from 5:30 to 6 p.m.
On screen there will be a matinee of “Juan of the Dead,” “Monster Squad” and “White Zombie” at 1 p.m., “Pontypool” at 3 p.m. and later Saturday “Monster Squad” and “White Zombie” will be on at 6 p.m. and “28 Days Later” will be on at 6:15 p.m.
“Night of the Living Dead” and “28 Days Later” will be shown at 8 p.m. and “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” round out Saturday’s festivities with a showing at 9 p.m.
Schmid will host a closing lecture Sunday at 7:45 p.m.
On the screen Sunday: “Night of the Living Dead” at 3 and 9 p.m.; “Juan of the Dead” at 1:15 p.m.; “White Zombie” at 1 p.m.; “28 Days Later” at 3 and 8 p.m.; “Pontypool” at 6:15 p.m.; and “Monster Squad” at 1 p.m.
The Madison Theater is located at 1036 Madison Ave. in Albany. For more information, call 438-2094 or visit themadisontheater.com.
