Here Lies Love Puts a Woman’s Story at the Forefront

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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Centering the story on the now 94-year old power holder, the production takes us back to a story arc that a number of Filipinos do not know. Before all the political differences and personal agenda, Imelda (played by Arielle Jacobs) and revolutionary politician Ninoy (Conrad Ricamora), were once involved with each other. After her move to Manila to fulfill her “ideal life,” she met Ferdinand Marcos (Jose Llana). The rest is written in Philippine history. Here Lies Love also features Broadway’s Filipino icon, Lea Salonga, as Aurora Aquino in the production.

Tackling the politics of what it means for a woman to assert her power, Byrne mentioned in an interview that the title was a nod to the epitaph that the convicted former first lady wanted. The disco club aesthetic of the set production took inspiration 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. 

Photos: HERE LIES LOVE (via Instagram)

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Here Lies Love Puts a Woman’s Story at the Forefront
Source: Insta News Pinoy