A troglodyte is defined as someone living in a cave, either literally or figuratively. Here Lies Love begins by criticizing its audience, labeling them as American troglodytes who are consumed by their own lives, ignoring the world’s sociopolitical state, especially in the Philippines. Yet, as the show goes on, it becomes clear that David Byrne and Fatboy Slim’s (neither of whom is Filipino) musical is created from a similar perspective.
Center Theatre Group’s production of Here Lies Love, currently running at the Mark Taper Forum for its Los Angeles premiere, bites more history than it can chew, documenting the rise of President Ferdinand (Chris Renfro) and Imelda Marcos (Reanne Acasio), the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines and the People Power Revolution led by Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. (Joshua Dela Cruz).
The experimental musical places this history within a disco and follows the emotional journey of Imelda, shaping her into an anti-hero. Though the production is technically and artistically impressive, it leaves more questions than it answers.
A disco musical about dictatorship has questions it can’t answer
Since its inception, Here Lies Love has received criticism for its portrayal of Marcos’s authoritarian rule. This latest production attempts to address these conflicts by introducing a new character: Imeldific (Aura Mayari). The drag queen TV host narrates and interprets the story for the audience, positioning herself as a player in the People Power Revolution. Although entertaining, the addition still can’t resolve the musical’s core challenges.
Still, Here Lies Love remains a feat of representation, uplifting the talent of Filipino artists. Acasio’s magnetic performance anchors the production with electrifying vocal prowess. Jaymee Ngerwichit’s costume design smartly references Filipino fashion through Imelda’s increasingly elaborate terno sleeves. And William Carlos Angulo’s choreography fuses traditional dances like Tinikling with modern movement like whacking.
CTG’s dramaturgical notes address concerns about previous productions and turn attention to the revolution’s 40th anniversary and its legacy in Los Angeles. The show may be flawed, but it also represents efforts to welcome new voices in American theater. Here Lies Love is a steppingstone, not a destination.
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Is ‘Here Lies Love’ worth seeing?
3 out of 5 stars
Here Lies Love is a steppingstone for Filipino representation in American theater—dazzling, flawed, and worth the conversation it sparks.
- Mark Taper Forum, 135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles
- Notable performers: Reanne Acasio, Joshua Dela Cruz, Chris Renfro, and Aura Mayari
- Running time: 90 minutes, no intermission
- Performances through April 5, 2026
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