During our lifetimes we saw the rise and fall of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos. Now think of producing a disco musical transforming Seattle’s Repertory Theater in order to portray this dramatic story with an all Filipino cast in a nightclub setting. Wildly successful, this production has been extended for a few more weeks. Half of the audience mixes with the cast on the disco dance floor, the other half (like us) watches from the galleries – where you can still get up and dance. It’s loud (earplugs gratis at the door) with energetic lyrical music portraying the Marcos legacy including Aquino’s assassination which lead to the subsequent peaceful revolution. Imelda’s shortcomings (e.g. the shoes) aren’t highlighted but her tragic vanity is. Here Lies Love gives theater a whole new dimension. Get there is you can!
Note: The “Iron Butterfly” continues on today as she won a seat representing Ilocos Norte province in the Philippine House of Representatives in 2010. Lessons for all to learn.