The Pan Asian Repertory Theater has a lofty mission statement including introducing Asian American theatre to the “differently-abled”. But not quite as lofty as their current project—to stage a musical about Imelda Marcos! Slated for a September 22 opening at the Julia Miles Theater in New York City, this project has the necessary elements for success given the esoteric appeal of the Imelda character.
Few have come close to capture the elusive mystic that surrounds Imelda. A source, requesting anonymity, volunteers this tidbit of information after rare close encounters with Imelda in his neighborhood.
"The neighborhood buzz was that she was using Doris Duke's apartment in the relatively new Dag Hammarskjold Plaza building. I used to see her shopping at the greengrocer's stand across Second Avenue, her bodyguard in attendance; and when I took up the collection during mass at the local Catholic church, she was a steady contributor. I was struck by her height—she was much taller and more beautiful than she appeared on television—and her immaculate, elegant style. Although I was never one of her admirers, I thought that she was a stunning woman to look at: flawless skin; luxuriant, glossy dark hair; and, a rather vacant gaze."
Attempts to portray her beyond-skin-deep character proliferated in media especially during fraud and racketeering charges were brought before her in Manhattan’s Federal Court— a helpless victim, a ruthless conspirator, a crazy woman, among others. Not one sticks to me; perhaps all is true.
New York City could not have been a more fitting stage to purse such attempts to scrutinize her up-close. The first wife of foreign head of state to stand in court in the U.S., Imelda was not repulsed by the theatrical spotlight; in fact, she seemed to have reveled in it. The trial itself included celebrities including Doris Duke who reputedly posted her $5 million bail, George Hamilton who posed as “star” witness to her defense, and—who can forget the antics of—her defense attorney Gerry Spence. Following her acquittal, Imelda’s encore was “shuffling up the aisle of New York City's St. Patrick's Cathedral on her (padded) knees, clutching a rosary and praying”. Bravo!
Perhaps, beyond the thousand pairs of shoes, the lavish shopping sprees, and the extravagant galas associated with Imelda, the Pan Asian Repertory production would look further inside her self. A conniving partner to a crime wrought upon an entire nation? A lobotomized shell that is running on autopilot following a nervous breakdown? A survivor coping with an historic twist of fate? An innocent victim who only wanted wealth, fortune and fame but sans the necessary curse that comes with the pact her husband signed in her behalf? An enchanting diva who will haunt us forever, regardless.
Kudos to the Pan Asian Repertory for taking on this brave project! I wish them success and hope it turns out to be more than just, as Simon Cowell would say, a “karaoke” act. Here’s a video the theater released to promote this musical. It’s rather lengthy and choppy, but interesting notwithstanding.
A musical about a monster! It is not the first time.
Posted by: Rob | 08/24/2009 at 07:46 PM