In a program for film buffs, music lovers and anyone with an interest in pop culture sources and references, Latchis Arts welcomes maestro Hugh Keelan for a presentation called “Darth Wagner: Insights into the Music of Star Wars” on Sunday, Jan. 12, at 1 p.m. in the Latchis Main Theatre.

Armed with a piano instead of a light saber, Keelan will examine the influence of 19^th century German composer Richard Wagner on John Williams’ music for the Star Wars films, particularly in Williams’ use of leitmotifs – or specific musical themes associated with particular characters, objects, locations, ideas or situations.

Keelan is not alone is showing that the iconic music of “Star Wars” has roots in Wagner. In January 2018, New Yorker music critic Alex Ross wrote an article titled A Field Guide to the Musical Leitmotifs of “Star Wars”, in which he cited musical scholars who had identified more than 50 leitmotifs in the “Star Wars soundtracks. Williams himself has cited Wagner as an influence, particularly in his composing for “Star Wars.”

Keelan is music director of TUNDI Productions, which presented a critically acclaimed production of “Tristan und Isolde” in August 2019. TUNDI has ambitious plans to present Wagner in Vermont again in August 2020.

Admission to “Darth Wagner” is $15, which also includes admission to see “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” at the Latchis Theatre immediately following Keelan’s half-hour presentation. Admission to the talk only is $7. Proceeds from Keelan’s presentation benefit TUNDI Productions.