David Byrne’s American Utopia, the Spike Lee-directed version of Byrne’s American Utopia on Broadway, is set to hit cinemas in the US next month, for a special one-off screening.
Offering audiences a chance to witness the acclaimed Broadway show — which broke box office records in a series of sold-out performances between 2019 and 2020 — Lee’s film premiered on HBO last year.
The show itself sees Byrne perform reconfigured tracks from his 2018 solo album American Utopia, as well as classics from the Talking Heads catalogue, accompanied by an 11-person ensemble of musicians and dancers.
“Spike and I have crossed paths many times over the years, obviously I’m a huge fan and now finally here was an opportunity for us to work together,” Byrne said, when the film was first announced. “I am absolutely thrilled with the result.”
“The Broadway show was a wonderful challenge as well as an opportunity – it was a joy to perform. Thrilled that this show and the subjects it addresses will now reach a wider audience.”
Now set to hit cinemas on September 15, David Byrne’s American Utopia has been updated with a new introduction from the Talking Heads musician, according to Deadline, as well as a never-before-seen conversation between Byrne and Lee.
Back in April this year, Byrne also curated Social!, a COVID-friendly dance club at New York’s Park Avenue Armory. Featuring a choreography voiceover from the musician himself, the experimental club invited 100 attendees at a time to take part in a socially-distanced rave.