Director Mathieu Kassovitz is bringing his iconic film ‘La Haine’ to life on stage as a hip-hop musical, nearly 30 years after its release shocked audiences. The film, which depicts police brutality and violence in France’s suburbs, won critical acclaim at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival for its gritty portrayal of life in the “banlieue”. Following the tragic 2023 police shooting of Nahel Merzouk, Kassovitz found renewed inspiration to adapt the story into a musical, with a talented cast including rising stars Aliyou Diop, Samy Belkessa, and Alexander Ferrario.
Kassovitz emphasized the relevance of the film’s message in today’s society, reflecting on the need to honor the victims of police violence. The musical seeks to capture the essence of friendship and resilience in the face of adversity, as portrayed by the three friends in the original film.
Despite the stark realities depicted in ‘La Haine’, Kassovitz believes there is a sense of love and camaraderie in the neighborhoods represented, which the stage adaptation aims to highlight. The musical will premiere in Paris this October before embarking on a tour across France, with stops in Marseille, Lyon, Dijon, and Rennes.
With themes that still resonate today, ‘La Haine’ promises to captivate audiences with its powerful storytelling and compelling performances. Tickets for the stage adaptation are available for those eager to experience the enduring impact of this groundbreaking film in a new and innovative format.
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