In 1999, I had the pleasure of witnessing the talented Filipino artist Lea Salonga perform her iconic role as Kim in “Miss Saigon” on the Broadway stage. It was already a significant decade since her first appearance in the show’s London premiere and nearly eight years post she won the 1991 Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical. As the first Asian woman to clinch this title, Salonga served as an inspiration for many, especially for Filipino-Americans like me.
Fast forward to now, and I found myself once again captivated by Salonga at the same Broadway theatre. This time she stars in “Here Lies Love,” a musical narrating the life of the Philippines’ controversial figure, Imelda Marcos. Salonga slips into the shoes of Aurora Aquino, mother to Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, an opposition leader assassinated in 1983. His wife, Corazon Aquino, later became the country’s president, and their lineage continued with their son, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
The musical’s themes underscore the longstanding underrepresentation of Filipinos in U.S. mainstream media. But “Here Lies Love” marks a shift, highlighting Filipino talent both in front of and behind the curtain, celebrating Filipino heritage.
Salonga recalls her earlier days in New York and notes how the city’s acceptance and celebration of Filipino culture have grown over the years. She’s hopeful this momentum will continue to uplift all communities, not just Filipinos.
Remarkably, this role is Salonga’s Broadway debut as a Filipino character, despite her long and illustrious career. She believes that Filipinos have historically been overlooked due to their adaptability and assimilation, but celebrates that standing out today is viewed positively.
Salonga emphasizes that while she did make history with her Tony win, she wasn’t the first Asian woman to do so. That honour goes to costume designer Willa Kim. The new musical invites audiences to an interactive experience, though it has faced criticism for its portrayal of the Marcos era. Still, Salonga hopes viewers leave with a thirst to learn more about Filipino history.
The current political landscape in the Philippines serves as a backdrop for the show, with references to Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the recent Filipino president. The production, enriched by a range of Filipino producers, aims to shed light on both Filipino culture and global affairs.
Seeing Salonga in “Here Lies Love,” the pride I felt years ago watching “Miss Saigon” is rekindled and amplified. It’s an indicator not just of the strides taken in representation but of the vast potential ahead.
Reflecting on the impact, Salonga shares her hope that this show will pave the way for more diverse stories worldwide. To her, representing her culture on the global stage is an immense honour.
In a world increasingly interwoven with cultures and narratives, “Here Lies Love” stands as a testament to the beauty of embracing diverse stories. Lea Salonga, with her immense talent and dedication, carries forward a narrative long relegated to the shadows. Through this musical, not only are the voices of Filipino-Americans amplified, but a global call is sent out, urging audiences everywhere to celebrate, understand, and uplift stories from all corners of the world. It’s not just about representation; it’s about creating bridges of understanding in a world yearning for unity.
