Rare images of Marilyn Monroe are to be seen on stage in new musical Exposure, which is planned for the West End in spring 2012.
The images are provided by photo library Getty Images, which is opening up its archive to the creators of Exposure, billed as “a contemporary Faustian tale… that dissects the power of photography for good or evil.”
The musical, which as yet has no confirmed dates or venue, follows a controversial photographer, Jimmy Tucker, who slides from moralistic photojournalist to paparazzi king under the influence of a corrupt agent. As his life hangs in the balance following a motorcycle accident, his lucid dreams merge with photographic images.
Exposure is written and composed by Mike Dyer, with co-writer Stephen Lowe, and is directed and choreographed by Javier De Frutos. The Venezuelan-born dancer’s work in London includes choreographing the recent Pet Shop Boys show The Most Incredible Thing at Sadler’s Wells and Rufus Norris’s production of Cabaret in the West End, for which he won an Olivier Award.
Matthew Butson of Getty Images commented: “Getty Images is thrilled to be able to be involved with such an exciting venture as Exposure. Having seen the project grow and develop from its initial conception, we had no hesitation in wanting to be a part of what we see as a ground-breaking musical and, coupled with our world class imagery, a visual as well as aural feast. We are privileged to be associated with such an inspired production and, ultimately, to be in a position to help bring Mike Dyer’s vision to life.”
CB