Kiss of the Spider Woman: A Timeless Reflection in Times of Hate
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Jennifer Lopez on the importance of Bill Condon’s “Kiss of the Spider Woman” Remake
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Jennifer Lopez discussed the cultural and societal importance of Oscar winner Bill Condon’s upcoming take on Kiss of the Spider Woman. In an extended interview with CBS News’ Sunday Morning and correspondent Lee Cowan, the popstar-cum-actress, who is a producer on the musical drama film, said the movie needed to be remade as “in times of hate, love is the answer, and that’s really what the movie is about.”
“It is a love letter, in a way, to the Latin community and to the queer community, this movie,” the multi-hyphenate explained.”Because in a time like this, when those communities are being demonized and marginalized, this is a big movie with three latin stars in it, with the lead being from the queer community as well.So, again, I feel like this story, as many times as it’s been told, needed to be told again.”
She added later, “When times are awful, we turn to art and beauty and music and movies to save us.”
Alongside Lopez, who portrays the titular role, Diego Luna and Tonatiuh also star. based on the 1976 novel by Argentine author Manuel Puig and subsequent multi-Tony-winning musical by Terrence McNally (book), John Kander (music) and Fred Ebb (lyrics) – with the legendary Chita Rivera playing the role of Aurora/The Spider Woman – the remake aims to bring a fresh perspective to this celebrated story.
Background: “Kiss of the Spider Woman” - A History
Kiss of the Spider Woman has a rich history,evolving from a novel to a groundbreaking musical and now a highly anticipated film remake. Understanding this evolution is key to appreciating the project’s significance.
The Novel (1976)
Manuel Puig’s 1976 novel, El Beso de la Mujer Araña (translated as Kiss of the Spider Woman), is a psychological drama set in a Buenos Aires prison. it explores the complex relationship between two cellmates: Valentin Xavier, a gay political prisoner, and Molina, a flamboyant homosexual man. Through their conversations and shared fantasies, the novel delves into themes of political repression, sexual identity, and the power of storytelling.The novel was controversial for its explicit depiction of homosexuality and its sympathetic portrayal of a character involved in political betrayal.
The Musical (1990)
Terrence McNally, John Kander, and Fred Ebb transformed Puig’s novel into a Broadway musical in 1990. The musical substantially altered the narrative, focusing more on the fantasy world created by Molina, represented through elaborate musical numbers. Chita rivera’s Tony-winning performance as Aurora/The Spider Woman became iconic. the musical won eight Tony awards, including Best Musical, Best Actress (Rivera), and Best original Score. The musical’s success brought the story to a wider audience and cemented its place in theatrical history.
Hear’s a table summarizing the key awards for the musical:
| award | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Tony Award for Best Musical | 1990 | Won |
| Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical | 1990 | Won (Chita Rivera) |