West Side Story
The famous musical returns to the Broadway stage in a remake by the Belgians Ivo Van Hove (Director) and Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker (Choreographer).
This is the first time since it was created in 1957 that the legendary musical has had the opportunity for a complete revision. Jerome Robbins' original work, also adapted for the screen in 1961 in a version that won 10 Oscars, is now firmly rooted in the 21st century.
While at heart, the storyline remains faithful to the Shakespearean tradition of Romeo and Juliet, the form has been completely revised through Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker's choreography.
Breaking with the flowing lines usually adopted, the story becomes more vigorous, more dynamic. The actors perform in a vast, uncluttered set with a giant screen as a backdrop onto which filmed images are projected.
In another revolution, the casting, traditionally dominated by white actors is given over to mixed-race or black, Hispanic actors.
The cinema is also gearing up to revisit West Side Story, with Steven Spielberg working hard and a cinema release scheduled for December.