You might know that Obsession (Ossessione), Luchino Visconti‘s first feature film released in 1943, is based on the novel  The Postman Always Rings Twice, by James M. Cain. And you might also know that this film gave rise to Italian neorealism, a cinematic movement highlighting the struggles of ordinary people in a time of upheaval.
But did you know that Belgian theatre director Ivo van Hove adapted that into a social drama, starring Jude Law, that will run in April at the Barbican Theatre?
Handsome and graceful Gino, played by the English actor, encounters Giuseppe and his much younger wife Giovanna at their roadside restaurant and petrol station. Gino and the woman are so attracted to one another they begin an affair while plotting to murder Giuseppe. However, the crime does not unite them but just destroys their relationship.
This is Van Hove’s fourth Visconti production, featuring a company of Dutch and British actors led by Law, whose stage and screen performances have established him as one of the foremost actors of his generation. Obsession is produced by the Barbican Theatre Productions Limited and Toneelgroep Amsterdam.
The world premiere of Obsession will be on 19 April at the Barbican and the play runs until 20 May 2017.
For more info and to book your tickets, contact the Barbican.
Read the interview to Robert De Hoog, who plays the role of the Spaniard.
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