Oscar-Nominated Belgian Film, "Daens," Is Now a Musical

By Kenneth Jones
July 15, 2008

The Oscar-nominated Belgian film "Daens" is being reconceived as a stage musical that will premiere Oct. 4 in a reconditioned mail-sorting depot near Antwerp, Variety reported.

The 19th-century-set drama concerns strident priest Adolf Daens, who fought for workers' rights in the textile industry where child labor was common and working conditions were unsafe. It's set in the Flemish town of Aalst.

Studio 100 is producing what will be a bilingual musical, with super titles, in Flemish (representing workers) and French (representing mill owners). A six-month run is planned.

The score is by the film's composer, Dirk Brosse. The movie was nominated for the 1993 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film (Belgium).

Director Stijn Coninx is artistic adviser for the stage musical.

The musical is directed by Frank Van Laecke; lyrics are by Van Laecke, with Allard Blom.

Variety reported that the cast will include Lucas Van Den Eynde as Daens. Free Souffriau and Jelle Cleymans will also star.