“Here Lies Love” Opens
NEW YORK–Talking Heads singer David Byrne has launched the US debut of his pop opera on the life of Imelda Marcos, the former first lady of the Philippines.
Co-written with British DJ Fatboy Slim, “Here Lies Love” — a 23-song romp through Marcos’ life — had its US premier late Saturday at New York’s Carnegie Hall, where the repertory usually runs to the more classical.
Byrne said he drew inspiration from Imelda’s love for disco music and the iconic disco-era New York club Studio 54.
“‘Here Lies Love’ is what Imelda is quoted as saying she wants on her tombstone. Her story is the timeless story of power, politics, and psychological needs,” the eclectic musician said.
The work covers the span of Marcos’ life: her youth, her time as a beauty queen, meeting and marrying Ferdinand Marcos, living at the pinnacle of power, and later in exile. Imelda Marcos’ extravagant life has earned her many enemies, but a great deal of criticism from around the world, but Byrne said his pop opera is not about being judgmental.
“It’s easy to fall into categories,” he said.
The show, first put on in Australia in 2006, for now is all about the music. and doesn’t have a set. It was sung by three people – including Byrne and Joan Almedilla of the Philippines. Byrne told Time Out magazine he would like to see the show put on at Studio 54 which has been made over into a theater.
via PDI
I wonder if David Byrne will bring the show to the Philippines.
February 8th, 2007 at 1:17 am
There was a production here a couple of years ago by a local theatre called “Imelda: A New Musical.” I didn’t see it, but I heard that it was like a Filipino Evita. I don’t think the production expanded beyond the local theatre. Anyway, I’d be interested to hear the David Byrne music.
February 8th, 2007 at 1:38 am
Really? What’s with her sudden popularity anyway. It seems that she’s being mentioned all over the world again.