Nearly 30 years ago, French director Mathieu Kassovitz’s iconic black-and-white film, “La Haine,” shed light on the prevailing violence in the French suburbs. The movie, which revolves around three friends – Hubert, Vinz, and Saïd – navigating a world rife with police brutality over the span of 24 hours, shook audiences with its raw portrayal of societal free fall culminating in a tragic police shooting.
The film made waves at the 1995 Cannes Film Festival and garnered critical acclaim for its candid depiction of life in the underprivileged suburban areas, known as the “banlieue.” Fast forward to today, and “La Haine” still stands as a benchmark for films dealing with crisis-ridden housing projects. Now, Kassovitz, along with theater director Serge Denoncourt, is reviving the film in the form of a stage musical set to debut in October with the same title but an added subtitle, “So far, nothing has changed.”
The decision to adapt “La Haine” into a musical was influenced by a poignant incident in 2023 involving the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Nahel Merzouk by a police officer, sparking nationwide unrest. Kassovitz emphasized that the musical serves as a tribute to all victims of similar violence over the years, including Merzouk, underscoring the ongoing relevance of the film’s themes.
While the original film delved into the complexities of violence, Kassovitz aims to offer a message of love and unity in the musical adaptation. The casting of Aliyou Diop, Samy Belkessa, and Alexander Ferrario was meticulous, with the trio chosen to embody the camaraderie and humor shared by the film’s protagonists as they navigate Paris.
Despite the somber undertones of “La Haine,” the film portrayed moments of friendship and humor, showcasing the resilience and unity within the disadvantaged communities. Diop, who hails from a working-class neighborhood, shared that the film’s portrayal of camaraderie amidst adversity resonated with him and highlighted the love that often prevails in such environments.
Kassovitz expressed satisfaction in witnessing the evolution of suburban culture since the film’s release, noting the positive shift in media representation and the rise of suburban youth in various artistic platforms. As the musical prepares to blend dance, rap, theater, and live performance, the team aims to deliver a raw and authentic portrayal that encapsulates the essence of “La Haine” while championing themes of love and solidarity in the face of adversity.
