By: Gillian Renault

Gillian Renault — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 14:42:42 +0000

I’m curious to know if you would feel the same way about the Broadway musical Evita about Eva Peron? And how you would change the musical about Imelda to make it more accurate? Or would you prefer it had never been made? I have no political agenda here. Just trying to understand your approach to the value and purpose of Broadway musicals in general.

By: Olivia McCullough

Olivia McCullough — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 11:55:11 +0000

10 years ago, a friend and I saw ‘Here Lies Love’ at the Public Theatre. After reading this essay, I felt guilt and shame at attending the play. Yet, as I reflected back to my experience, I recalled viewing it as a cautionary tale about power, grandeur and wealth. The audience literally becomes ‘swept up’ by the seductive allure that each of those holds. The audience was both witness and participant in Imelda’s life. A take away for some, no doubt entertainment, novelty and clueless enthusiasm the experience of others. We left, went home and didn’t really look much further.
That is my regret.
But now, we have that chance with this author’s bona fides. If there is a hierarchy of valued viewpoints, this author’s takes precedence. The Filipino people were the victims of the Marcos regime. Yet, here we are, living in a world where demagogues and fascists hold power. People are ‘swept up’ in narratives not based in facts.
We are audiences/participants to these forces.
This play has the potential to engage us in a conversation about people’s susceptibility/vulnerability to the voices of fascism. Let’s encourage that conversation.

Comments on: David Byrne’s Broadway Musical Celebrates a Monstrous Fascist

By: Gillian Renault

By: Olivia McCullough