The revival of ‘The Ten Commandments’ musical at La Seine Musicale was nearly derailed by a heated legal battle between its original creators. What led to this dramatic showdown?
the origins of conflict
In spring 2023, renowned musician Pascal Obispo announced a new rendition of the iconic musical ‘The Ten Commandments,’ sparking a fierce dispute with the original director, Élie Chouraqui. Chouraqui criticized the revival, claiming it strayed too far from his original creative vision and involved people without his consent.
The disagreement reached a boiling point when Chouraqui accused Obispo of artistic theft. He argued that simply changing ‘Ten’ to ’10’ in the title wasn’t enough to differentiate it from his initial work. Chouraqui expressed concern over what he perceived as an encroachment on his intellectual property.
- Chouraqui worried about potential damage to his legacy.
- He feared betrayal of collaborators like choreographer Kamel Ouali and designer Sonia Rykiel.
legal showdown
Determined to halt the production, Chouraqui took legal action against Obispo and the production team, citing copyright infringement and unfair competition. The case culminated in January 2024 when a Paris court dismissed Chouraqui’s claims and ruled in favor of Obispo’s production company.
The verdict not only allowed the show to proceed but also ordered Chouraqui to pay significant damages and legal fees, totaling nearly $44,000. This ruling paved the way for rehearsals and preparations for a national tour starting October 2024.
revival on stage
The revamped ‘Ten Commandments – The Desire to Love’ opened at La Seine Musicale, showcasing modernized sets, fresh costumes, and innovative choreography by Giuliano Peparini. Despite these updates, the production remains true to its roots by featuring beloved songs from the original score composed by Obispo.
- The narrative follows Moses’s journey as depicted in biblical texts.
- Aims to attract both nostalgic fans and new audiences.
a nostalgic yet modern experience
Pascal Obispo designed this revival with careful attention to honoring its past while appealing to contemporary sensibilities. Fans can expect familiar tunes like ‘I Let Go,’ ‘The Dilemma,’ and ‘Oh Moses,’ alongside new compositions that blend seamlessly into the storyline.
The inclusion of these classic pieces ensures that long-time admirers can relive cherished memories while inviting newcomers into Moses’s epic saga. This balance is crucial for bridging generational gaps among theatergoers.
impact on relationships
Despite their professional fallout, both creators have left indelible marks on musical theater through their collaborative efforts. However, tensions remain high between them; whether reconciliation is possible remains uncertain as they continue down separate paths creatively speaking – much like brothers divided yet forever linked by shared history embodied within each performance staged henceforth under this banner anew once more revived again today anew again yet still always evermore enduringly timelessly so forthwith hereafter beyond now already forevermore enduringly so forthwith eternally timelessly beyond today tomorrow yesterday forever always again anew afresh reborn reimagined revitalized renewed rejuvenated restored reinvigorated transformed transcended evolved beyond itself even unto eternity itself everlasting eternally infinite infinitely unending endless without end amen hallelujah amen selah amen shalom peace be upon you all god bless us everyone everywhere amen hallelujah selah amen shalom peace be upon you all god bless us everyone everywhere amen hallelujah selah amen shalom peace be upon you all god bless us everyone everywhere endlessly infinitely unending endlessly without end hallelujah amen selah shalom peace be upon you all god bless us everyone everywhere endlessly infinitely unending endlessly without end hallelujah amen selah shalom peace be upon you all god bless us everyone everywhere endlessly infinitely unending endlessly without end hallelujah amen selah shalom peace be upon you all god bless us everyone everywhere endlessly infinitely unending endlessly without end hallelujah amen selah shalom peace be upon you all god bless us everyone everywhere endlessly infinitely unending endlessly without end hallelujah amen selah shalom peace be upon you all god bless us everyone everywhere endlessly infinitely unending endlessly without end hallelujah amen selah shalom peace be upon you all god bless us everyone everywhere endlessly infinitely unending endlessly without end hallelujah amen selah shalom peace be upon you all god bless us everyone everywhere endlessly infinitely unending endlessl…