Russell T Davies’s hit TV series It’s a Sin to be adapted as ‘visceral’ dance show
Why it matters: This adaptation re-examines a pivotal historical tragedy through a fresh, emotionally charged artistic lens.
- Rambert, known for its successful Peaky Blinders prequel, is developing the dance adaptation, aiming to carry "urgent, emotional narratives in a visceral way" through choreography.
- Russell T Davies, creator of the original series, is an executive producer, expressing excitement for the show to be "transformed by Rambert into something new and exciting," despite his prior hesitation about stage adaptations.
- Pet Shop Boys, whose song inspired the series title, are also executive producers, proud to see the "poignant and important story is interpreted in a different medium" after the series compellingly presented the Aids crisis to a mass audience.
- Benoit Swan Pouffer, Rambert's artistic director, will choreograph and direct, collaborating with Luke Halls Studio for set and video design that blends archive material with contemporary dance.
- Roman GianArthur will compose music evoking "the glamour, defiance and emotional intensity of 1980s queer life," adding a crucial sonic layer to the visual and emotional storytelling.
- The production will open at Factory International's Aviva Studios in Manchester before touring, co-produced with Wales Millennium Centre, Capital Theatres, and Les Théâtres de la Ville.
Russell T Davies's acclaimed TV series, It's a Sin, which powerfully depicted the 1980s Aids crisis, is being adapted into a "visceral" dance show by Rambert, with Davies and Pet Shop Boys serving as executive producers. This marks a significant shift for Davies, who previously expressed reluctance to revisit the tragic subject matter, but now embraces the opportunity for a new, emotionally resonant interpretation through dance.
