Imelda Marcos musical Here Lies Love to open in Sydney, 2015

It was confirmed today that the ‘immersive theatrical event’ Here Lies Love will open in Sydney next year as the centrepiece of Vivid Sydney 2015.

With auditions commencing next month, the stage musical Here Lies Love has been secured by the NSW Government and is set to premiere in May 2015.

Written by Talking Heads founding member David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, the show retraces the astonishing journey of Filipina First Lady Imelda Marcos from her meteoric rise to power to her descent into infamy after the People Power Revolution.

Directed by Alex Timbers, Here Lies Love is described as “neither a period piece nor a biography, neither a play nor a traditional musical” and is set to feature a cast of actors in their 20s and 30s who reflect “the multiple ethnicities that are found throughout the population of the Republic of the Philippines, from the migrant arrivals from China, Spain, Korea and Southeast Asia, among other nations”, according to Producer Rodney Rigby.

This is an exciting opportunity for non-caucasian performers in Australia, who are so frequently under represented in the arts in this country. The casting information states:

“Because of the specific world of the stage musical, we are particularly interested in considering performers to play Filipino and/or Asian characters. All actors must have great pop singing voices and move well!”

The world premiere production of Here Lies Love is currently playing at New York’s famed Public Theatre and opens next month at the National Theatre in London.

“Here Lies Love is unlike any musical previously staged in Australia” said Rodney Rigby, producer of Australian hit musicals Jersey Boys and Rock of Ages.

“It is a transformative experience with unique and immersive staging by director Alex Timbers, where actors perform on platforms and moving catwalks, creating a club-like environment whilst forging a special relationship between the actors and the audience.”

No other details have been released regarding where the production will be staged or how long it is intended to run.

For information concerning auditions in October visit herelieslove.com.au