MANILA, Philippines – New York City was one of Imelda Marcos‘ favorite destinations back when she was still the Philippines’ First Lady. Thus, it is but fitting that “Here Lies Love, ” an immersive musical experience about the excesses of the so-called Steel Butterfly, is being staged in the city.

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Composed by David Byrne and DJ Fatboy Slim, “Here Lies Love” retraces Marcos’ life, from her dazzling years as the wife of the country’s most powerful man to her descent into infamy and disgrace by the end of the People Power Revolution. 

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Watch David Byrne talk about ‘Here Lies Love’:

The performance combines pulsating dance music, adrenaline-fueled choreography and 360-degree video projections, providing new ways of telling Marcos’ story and the tragic consequences of the abuse of power. It also involves a lot of audience interaction with audience members encouraged to dance and be part of the performance.

“Here Lies Love” is showing at the Joseph Papp Public Theater. 

Last July 20 (July 21 Manila time), the Filipino-American cast members met up for drinks and conversation at the Filipino-owned Ugly Kitchen restobar in New York City. 

The session allowed fans of the show and other Filipino-Americans to interact with the performers and talk about one of the most important periods in Philippine history. It was also a night to toast to Filipino talent and innovative ways of telling old stories.

The night was also one for the foodies. Ugly Kitchen served up Filipino-American cuisine created by owner and chef Aris Tuazon.

The staging of “Here Lies Love” is the brainchild of the Public Theater in New York, which also produces the annual Shakespeare in Central Park. The brunch conversation is a cooperation between Filipino Mundo-NYC and the Filipino Press Club of New York.

Listen to a song from ‘Here Lies Love’:

– Rappler.com