The current run of the production stars an ensemble of all-Filipino actors for its New York staging, telling the narrative of a former first lady
Making rounds online for their political concept and pre-recorded tracks, Here Lies Love has stirred enough buzz to keep people talking about it. Award-winning music mastermind David Byrne and Fatboy Slim turned their concept album of the same title into a musical, both highlighting a Filipina whose name has a lasting recall to the young and old. Her identity? Imelda Romualdez Marcos.
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Filipino-American Arielle Jacobs plays the lead role, opposite Jose Llana who stars as Imelda’s husband, Ferdinand Marcos. Joining them is How To Get Away With Murder’s Conrad Ricamora as Ninoy Aquino. Filipino Broadway icon Lea Salonga takes on the role of Aurora Aquino apart from being a producer of the play. Here Lies Love is the first production centered on Philippine history with an all-Filipino cast, with Jo Koy and H.E.R. joining Salonga as producers as well. Meanwhile, actress Giselle Töngi takes on the role as the Community and Cultural Liaison of the play.
In an interview, Byrne mentioned that the title was a nod to the epitaph that the convicted former first lady wanted. Besides the title, the inspiration for the disco club aesthetic of the set came from the shoe collector’s love for the 70s dance genre. The standing audience are immersed into the acting, singing, and dancing performances through the design of the venue.
Aside from its ongoing production featuring an all-Filipino cast, a number of Filipinos have already watched the play. In an Instagram story shared by photographer BJ Pascual, he and actress Liza Soberano have seen the staging of the theatrical work.
Today, Filipino talent not only asserts but also cements its position in Broadway with a Filipino on Filipino casting and story. From Lea Salonga who paved the way for many aspiring artists, to Rachelle Ann Go and Eva Noblezada powering through a still Western-dominated community, Here Lies Love unfolds new possibilities for our countrymen to bring our voices into the world at a time when we need to be heard the most.
Photos: HERE LIES LOVE (via Instagram)
