The upcoming stage show Lazarus, based on the 1976 David Bowie movie The Man Who Fell To Earth, will feature songs that "sound like classics," according to director Ivo van Hove.

While Bowie will not appear in the production himself, his music will be featured in it.

"Some of the songs sound as if you have heard them for ever - like classics,"

"There are romantic songs - because his songs are deeply romantic - and there are songs about violence and the ugly world surrounding us. That's what these new songs are about."

"Bowie will not be on stage - I don't think that is the thing he likes most in his life. But as far as I can judge, it is a very important project in his life," he added.

Bowie co-wrote the project with Irish playwright Enda Walsh.