Adapted from the classic 1972 film, the new production by Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks is an emotional reggae-filled roller coaster.
premiered at the Carib Theatre in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1972, it became an instant local sensation. Starring reggae icon Jimmy Cliff as Ivan Martin, a poor man from the countryside who travels to Kingston with the dream of becoming a musician, the film resonated for its relatable portrayal of life in Jamaica. Not only was it filmed in real locations across Kingston, but it also incorporated Jamaican Patois, a language rarely spoken in movies.
Eventually, Ivan is able to cut a record, but the powerful producer who holds sway over every radio station on the island refuses to play it until Ivan signs an exploitative deal. Ultimately, Ivan decides to fight back against his oppressors, calling out their greed and depravity and becoming an outlaw-turned-hero in the process. The people of Jamaica unite behind him, and his song becomes a rallying cry for justice that takes over the airwaves for decades to come.
That’s the one thing I came away with after watching the film. My people are beautiful, and I really wanted to show that love that I felt specifically for the Jamaican people, but also just for the people of the African diaspora and artists, because I really identified with Ivan. He’s an artist, and he comes to town wanting to make a record. I really worked to strengthen that aspect of the story in our play.
Definitely. Ivan’s own story ends in a beautifully devastating way, but his song is ultimately played on the radio and becomes a sort of anthem for the Jamaican people. What do you feel like audiences can take away from the resolution of Ivan’s story?Well, before the last song in the show, Ivan says, “I told you they can’t kill my song.” And he believes that. Everyone in the show knows their place except Ivan. He dreams of something bigger, and that’s his crime.
That is so cool. What was it like working with the actors, and were they super excited, I would assume, to do this kind of music? Was it different for them?Oh, yeah. They’re really into the music. Most of them had heard the songs, because there’s just such great hits, and they were really excited to sing them and to do choreography to them and get the songs in their bodies. They were over the moon with the music and the story too.
Norge Siste Nytt, Norge Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også lese nyheter som ligner på denne som vi har samlet inn fra andre nyhetskilder.
How the Bid to Make It Harder to Amend Ohio’s Constitution Fell ApartEmails and texts between Republican state Rep. Brian Stewart and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose shed light on the behind-the-scenes maneuvering to advance a resolution to make it harder for voters to amend the Ohio Constitution.
Les mer »
Pandemic Hit Black Children Harder, Study ShowsBlack children had almost three times as many COVID-related deaths as white children and about twice as many hospitalizations, according to a new study.
Les mer »
The Harder They Come Tries to Fit Too Much OnstageThe overstuffed Jimmy Cliff musical barely has time for its own songs.
Les mer »
Getting Money Out of SVB Was Hard—For Chinese Customers, It Was HarderInternational transfers from the U.S. bank are slowly resuming, but many Chinese tech companies and venture firms are still trying to get their money out.
Les mer »
How the bid to make it harder to amend Ohio’s constitution fell apartEmails and texts between Republican state Rep. Brian Stewart and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose shed light on the behind-the-scenes maneuvering to advance a resolution to make it harder for voters to amend the Ohio Constitution.
Les mer »
'The Harder They Come' Musical at the Public Theater | All Of It | WNYCThe Jamaican cult classic film 'The Harder They Come' is celebrating its 50th anniversary. A new musical adaptation of the film opens tomorrow at Newman Theater.
Les mer »