French Classic Film “la Haine” Returns As A Hip-Hop Musical
Nearly 30 years ago, La Haine depicted inevitable violence in French suburbs. Directed by Mathieu Kassovitz, the film follows three friends over 24 hours of police brutality, ending in a fatal shooting. A voice-over declares society is in “free fall,” and a gunshot confirms more violence.
The film became a cult classic, winning Kassovitz best director at Cannes in 1995. Now, with theater director Serge Denoncourt, it returns as a hip-hop musical opening in October. The title remains La Haine (“hate”), with a new subtitle: “So far, nothing has changed.”
Kassovitz says the musical honors victims like Nahel Merzouk, a 17-year-old fatally shot by police in 2023, sparking nationwide riots. Despite its grim themes, the film and musical explore love as a solution to hate.
Actors Aliyou Diop, Samy Belkessa, and Alexander Ferrario were cast after a nationwide search, and Diop believes the story’s humor and friendship make it special. Kassovitz notes that, unlike in the ’90s, suburban culture is now more accepted, with stars like Aya Nakamura rising to fame.
The show blends dance, cinema, rap, and theater, with Denoncourt aiming for a raw, authentic performance.
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