Who among us does not know the story of the biblical character Moses? Found in the river Bitia, the daughter of Pharaoh, became the best friend of his named brother Ramses, suddenly imbued with pity for his oppressed people and killed the overseer, for which he was expelled. The vision of the incessant bush with the command of God to return to the people of Israel freedom from Egyptian captivity, ten executions of Egyptians, many years of travel through the desert and, finally, the creation of tablets with the Ten Biblical commandments. When they read this story or watch various film adaptations, they are outraged by the stubbornness of the Pharaoh, the cruelty of the Egyptians and pity the Jews.
Was that really the case? Unfortunately, historians say the opposite. Yes, the Jewish people were in slavery, but not in the classical sense, when the slaves were absolutely disenfranchised – to some extent the Jews were in a better position than the Egyptians themselves and did not think of any freedom, quite content with their situation. But when in Egypt for several years there were crop failures and natural disasters, which later turned into the same executions of the Egyptians, Pharaoh ordered all the Jews to leave the country - his compatriots have nothing to eat, and then these freeloaders feed. Naturally, there was no persecution or drowning of the Egyptian army in the Red Sea - but from what sources do we know this story? This difference is understandable.
But the historical truth is not particularly interesting to film and theater figures, as well as the audience. They are eager to see what they have known since childhood, and the study of how it was really possible to leave documentaries for a narrow circle of connoisseurs. Therefore, in a French musical on this topic, you will not find a single departure from the biblical version. But does it matter? A musical, even on such a serious subject, is primarily entertainment. Music, libretto, well-chosen voices, skillfully staged choreography - and we can read about history elsewhere.
The 10 Commandments have all the ingredients of a proper musical. The music was written by Pascal Obispo himself - later he will return to the biblical theme in Adam and Eve - a second chance, though changed beyond recognition. Libretto are well-known songwriters Patrice Giraud and Lionel Florence, who subsequently repeatedly wrote lyrics to other musicals. The artists – Daniel Levy, Gini Lin, Ahmed Musi and others, whose names you can see on the creators’ page – there are no punctures with casting, even after changing the lineup – I think the name of Mervan Rima will tell a lot to fans of French musicals. Choreography - Kamel Huali knew his business, later becoming a director himself and offering real shows to the public. Costumes, even makeup correspond not only to the era and the plot, but also to the fact that decades have passed, which is usually neglected in other performances.
It was the “10 Commandments”, and not “Romeo and Juliet”, as is considered by most fans of this genre, picked up the beginning of the still thundering “Notre Dame”. “Romeo and Juliet” is known to everyone, and “10 Commandments” are not. Why such an injustice, because even judging by the number of audio records sold, they are the leaders, and not the story of Verona lovers, and he walked on stage much longer? This question is rather rhetorical in nature, to which your obedient author, alas, does not know the answer. But he does not think about it – just wants you to turn on a DVD with this performance and for two hours immerse yourself in the magical realm of music.
8 out of 10