A rock version of ‘The Threepenny Opera’ in the works
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.At the Berlin Film Festival, Andy Serkis (Gollum in ‘The Hobbit' films), who was promoting his biopic ‘Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll' about British punk rocker Ian Dury, announced he is collaborating with Australian musician Nick Cave on an update of the classic tale of ‘The Threepenny Opera.'
The plan is to create a motion-capture version of the Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill musical which was first performed in Berlin in 1928. A critique of capitalism, it centers on the nefarious character of Macheath and has enjoyed high-profile stagings around the world, including the 1990 film, ‘Mack the Knife,' starring the late Raul Julia with Bill Nighy, Richard Harris, and The Who's Roger Daltrey.
Cave whose songs have appeared in films such as ‘Sin Hombre' and ‘Batman Forever' and has scored films, most recently The Road, is expected to oversee the music, and perhaps add his rendition of the jazz standard, "Mack the Knife," to the dozens recorded, such as Bobby Darin's 1959 hit.
It is assumed Serkis will take on the title role in this animated version. The film portrayal of Dury, already released in the UK, depicts the rock star's childhood polio, his climb in the punk rock scene. Naomie Harris (‘Pirates of the Caribbean') and Ray Winstone (‘The Departed') plays his father in the film.
www.sex-drugs-rock-roll-thefilm.com/
RC
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments