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More details about Spike Lee’s upcoming production Chiraq have finally arrived. The production, which understandably drew sharp criticism from the residents of Chicago, including activists and local politicians, is still going strong despite a few initial hiccups.
Screen Daily reveals that Chiraq will be a musical retelling of the ancient Greek comedy Lysistrata. In the original story, the women of Greece refuse to have sex with their husbands until they agree sign a peace treaty to end the Peloponnesian War. Lee’s take on this ancient tale will center around gang warfare in Chicago and the women of the city using similar methods to the women of ancient Greece in order to bring about peace.
It has also been revealed that Jennifer Hudson has joined the production, but her role has not been confirmed. Kanye West will not be starring in the film, despite what many outlets had reported early on. A rep for West states that the rapper might be working on the production in a musical capacity, schedule permitting.
As for the continuing controversy over Chiraq’s name, Spike Lee tells critics to “wait and see.” The filmmaker recently told TIME Magazine,
“Wait until the movie comes out. You don’t like it, you don’t like, but wait, see it first.” “I love Chicago,” also added. Lee also took care to emphasize, “This is not a joke, this is not a game. This is real life and death, and that’s the way we are going to approach this.”
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