Musical stage adaptation of Oscar-winning movie CODA in the works

A musical stage adaptation of hit Oscar-winning film CODA is in the works.

Adapted from the 2014 French film La Famille Bélier, CODA (child of deaf adults) tells the story of teenager Ruby Rossi, the only hearing member of her deaf family.

The film was released on Apple TV+ in 2021 to critical acclaim, picking up a number of Academy Awards including Best Picture.

Now a musical stage adaption is in the works from Deaf West Theatre, the Tony-nominated team behind sign-language productions of Big River and Spring Awakening.

Deaf West Theatre will collaborate with the film’s co-producers Vendôme Pictures and Pathé on the stage adaption.

Artistic Director of Deaf West Theatre, DJ Kurs, said: “In the movie there is a scene where the Deaf members of the Rossi family, confronted with an inaccessible school performance, take in Ruby’s song through the joy of others in the audience.

“This is an opportunity, then, to bring the story full circle by bringing it back to members of the Deaf community and by making the music accessible through our signed and sung live adaptation of the movie.

“It is in the mission of our organization to be the artistic bridge between the Deaf and hearing communities and we are truly excited and honored to embark on this live iteration of a story that brings together both sides of the aisle and addresses the ways that we move throughout the world.”

Vendôme Pictures’ Philippe Rousselet added: “We, with Pathé, have been humbled and honored to see the success of CODA from Sundance, through its premiere on Apple TV+ and awards buzz this season. This is a timeless story that we’ve always believed in and knew would resonate with audiences far and wide.

“For this reason, we are looking forward to continuing our incredible journey and bringing this universal story to life from screen to stage. We are excited at the caliber of Broadway talent interested in collaborating with us on the project.”

Further details including cast and creative are to be announced.

CODA is currently streaming on Apple TV+ here.