The first act has already been confirmed for the 2015 iteration of Vivid Sydney, held annually in Sydney.
This years event, which wrapped up just a few months ago, saw the likes of alt-rock elders Pixies play an intimate four-night residency at the Sydney Opera House, and The Presets present their collaboration with the Australian Chamber Orchestra described as an interactive “kaleidoscopic journey through 42,000 years of music.
Where 2013 saw the live interactive 3D performances from Kraftwerk, and world album premieres from Empire Of The Sun and Cloud Control.
Now plans for the 2015 event are well underway and if the first act is anything to go by, it certainly won’t disappoint.
As revealed by the Sydney Morning Herald, the first act confirmed for Vivid Festival 2015 is a disco-pop musical about the former Philippine First Lady and disco enthusiast, Imelda Marcos, created by Talking Heads’ frontman David Byrne and Fatboy Slim.
However unlike traditional musicals, the show, Here Lies Love, will take place in a disco club setting with the action unfolding around and among the audience whose participation isn’t just encouraged by essential as they dance and engage with the musical itself on the dance floor for a full immersive experience.
“It’s the story of the Marcoses, their regime and the strength of the Philippine people, but told in a way that hasn’t been experienced by people in Sydney or Australia before,” says New York-based producer Rodney Rigby. “The actors are right there with you and the participation of the audience really serves the storytelling.”
The immersive musical owes its roots to the 2010 concept album by Byrne and Fatboy Slim, which featured an impressive cast of female guest vocalists including Cyndi Lauper, Tori Amos, Florence Welch, Sia, Sharon Jones and St Vincent playing Marcos and other characters.
For the local production, producers are seeking a cast that will reflect the multiple ethnicities of the Philippines and bring an authentic twist.
“It’s absolutely critical to the project that we cast artists representing the diverse make-up of the republic of the Philippines,” says Rigby. “From a producing perspective, the idea of finding a non-Caucasian company is really exciting.”
The production will be holding auditions in October and will specifically be seeking talent reflecting the ethnicities that make up the Philippines.
You can find out more information about the production and the auditions at herelieslove.com.au
