From Silver Screen to Stage: Mathieu Kassovitz's "La Haine" Transforms into a Captivating Musical

Almost three decades after Mathieu Kassovitz's classic film "La Haine" became a political sensation and cult hit in France, the actor and director has transformed it into a stage show that opens at the Seine Musicale in Paris on Oct. 10 before touring the country. The musical tells the same haunting story of three close friends from Paris's neglected suburban projects who, in the aftermath of a lethal confrontation with the police, go on a rambling journey into the capital with a gun and a thirst for vengeance.

Bringing the Gritty Realism of "La Haine" to the Stage

Adapting a Cult Classic for the Theater

Watching the musical "La Haine" is a unique experience, as it presents a familiar story in a new and captivating medium. The stage adaptation retains the core narrative and characters from the original film, but with the addition of song and dance numbers that add a fresh layer of artistic expression. Mathieu Kassovitz, the visionary behind the project, has carefully navigated the delicate balance of staying true to the essence of the film while also introducing innovative elements that breathe new life into the story.

Exploring the Evolving Landscape of France

The France represented in the musical "La Haine" is not entirely the same as the one depicted in the 1995 film. While many of the underlying societal issues and tensions remain, the passage of time has brought about subtle yet significant changes in the country's landscape. Kassovitz's decision to adapt his seminal work for the stage reflects a desire to revisit and reexamine the themes of marginalization, police brutality, and the search for identity in a France that has continued to evolve, both socially and culturally.

Bringing the Iconic Characters to Life on Stage

The same young men who captivated audiences in the original film take center stage in the musical adaptation. Vinz, the angry white character originally played by Vincent Cassel, Hubert, the wise Black boxer, and Saïd, the joker of North-African descent, all reprise their roles, delivering many of the movie's most iconic lines that have become ingrained in French cultural consciousness. The transition from screen to stage presents a unique challenge, as the actors must not only embody the characters but also seamlessly integrate the new musical elements into their performances.

Infusing the Production with Music and Dance

One of the most significant differences between the film and the musical is the incorporation of song and dance numbers. Produced by some of the biggest names in French music, including the rapper Youssoupha and the pop star Matthieu Chedid (M), these new elements add a dynamic and emotive layer to the storytelling. While the original film was saturated with the urban sounds of hip-hop culture, the soundtrack was primarily composed of urban percussion, such as roaring motorcycles and hissing trains. The musical adaptation, however, brings a more diverse and vibrant musical palette to the table, further enhancing the emotional impact of the narrative.

Navigating the Delicate Balance of Familiarity and Innovation

Mathieu Kassovitz acknowledges the challenge of adapting his cult classic for the stage, stating, "I'm very curious to see how people react to it, because it's close enough to the original movie so that people can feel comfortable. And far enough so people don't feel betrayed." The director's careful approach to the musical adaptation reflects a deep understanding of the reverence and significance that "La Haine" holds in the hearts of French audiences. By striking a balance between honoring the original work and introducing new creative elements, Kassovitz aims to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers to the story, inviting them to experience the timeless themes of the film in a fresh and innovative way.