PUBLISHED May 25th, 2016 03:01 pm | UPDATED July 25th, 2024 03:02 pm
Jacques Brel is Alive and Well & Living in Paris is a musical revue – also known as a jukebox musical – where each of the 23 songs is treated like a mini play. A powerful and bold theatrical experience, it was an overwhelming success in its original off-Broadway production in 1968 and its 2006 revival.
Since its inception, the show has been staged in major cities all over the world. Brel’s legendary vision of romance, humour and moral conviction is universal and timeless; the songs were translated into English by Mort Shuman and poet Eric Blau.
A Belgian singer and songwriter of the 1960’s and 1970’s European scene, Jacques Brel had the ability to share compelling emotions, thanks to his powerful lyrics and charismatic presence. With some 150 songs, almost all in French, he’s considered one of most popular singers in the French language. He still sells more than 200,000 albums a year, significantly more than Edith Piaf.
Anti-conformist, anti-war poet, singer, songwriter, actor, and director of two films, it’s no surprise that he left Belgium as a young man to escape the disapproval of his wealthy, bourgeois family. His fame was linked with songs protesting against inequalities and discrimination, some openly condemning capitalism and dictatorship – which means his songs are as timeless as they are universal.
They demand the correction of injustices in society, they speak about the power of love, and they add a layer of gaiety to human weaknesses, with self-deprecating humour that Belgians are famous for. International stars such as David Bowie, Nina Simone, Shirley Bassey and Sting have covered many of his hits. “Ne me quitte pas” was translated into “If You Go Away” and made famous by Frank Sinatra. “Le Moribond” was translated into “Seasons in the Sun” and made famous by both Terry Jacks and Westlife.
Speaking on Brel as an anti-war protester and a peace symbol, Artistic Director of Sing’theatre Nathalie Ribette says, “Brel took a strong stand against war. He believed that people could stand together when they trust and love one another. This was his vision for a world united in peace.”
Sing’Theatre’s Jacques Brel is Alive and Well & Living in Paris
Lauded for its high quality presentation of the works of iconic French and European performers, Sing’Theatre staged the first production in 2008. This May, Sing’theatre is bringing Brel back to the stage after numerous appeals from the public. Directed and choreographed by George Chan (Kumar – What Makes A Man A Man, Next to Normal), this brand new production of Jacques Brel is Alive and Well & Living in Paris, will adopt an avant-garde identity. Expect innovative staging and multimedia projections to be utilised in painting Brel’s highly entertaining yet powerful thought-provoking songs.
Bringing Brel’s songs to life with all their wit and grit is a group of four well-known locally based artists – George Chan, Matthew Jasper (Yo Yo Ma and The Silk Road Ensemble), Frances Lee (Fat Pig, Monkey Goes West), and Stephanie Van Den Driesen (President’s Award for Outstanding Performance and Excellence).
Speaking on the appeal of the show, Nathalie Ribette, Founder and Artistic Director of Sing’theatre says, “Brel’s timeless and powerful songs are made even more relevant in today’s world. Despite recent tumultuous events, numerous acts of courage, kindness and stories of love colour lives all over the world, portraying the resilience and triumph of the human spirit.”
Jacques Brel is Alive and Well & Living in Paris is on at SOTA Drama Theatre from 26 May to 4 June 2016. Tickets are available at SISTIC.