Meet the FilAm cast of ‘Here Lies Love’ in July 20 Kapihan
By Randy Gener
Remember these names: Renée Albulario, Carol Angeli, Melody Butiu, Nathaniel P. Claridad, Natalie Cortez, Debralee Daco, Joshua Dela Cruz, Jose Llana, Kelvin Moon Loh, Jaygee Macapugay, Jeigh Madjus, Ruthie Ann Miles, Maria-Christina Oliveras, Clint Ramos, Conrad Ricamora, George Salazar, Trevor Salter and Janelle Velasquez. These FilAms are the talented stars and crew of “Here Lies Love,” the immersive musical event by David Byrne and DJ Fatboy Slim, currently performing at the Joseph Papp Public Theater.
Filipino Mundo-NYC, Filipino American Press Club of New York and Ugly Kitchen are honored to recognize and celebrate the Filipino American theatre artists whose ensemble commitment has made “Here Lies Love” the most acclaimed musical production of the season.
On Saturday, July 20th, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, these musical performers will gather for an afternoon of drinks and conversation at the Ugly Kitchen restobar, located at 103 First Avenue.
“This gathering is not a panel discussion; it is a Kapihan, a coffee break,” says Randy Gener, the George Jean Nathan Award-winning editor/writer and the curator/organizer of Filipino Mundo-NYC. “This afternoon event takes the form of a long table, using the intimate form of a klatch as a structure for public conversation. It is a unique opportunity to meet the show’s original cast and to share experiences with these amazing FilAm performing artists* before the Public Theater’s engagement officially ends on July 28th.”
What’s on the menu? Marcos history. Theatrical performance. Cultural legacy. Philippine pride. Filipino food house specialties served from Ugly Kitchen restobar. What does it mean to be a FilAm musical actor performing in this season’s most culturally significant event about Philippine history? What can these FilAm talents share with us about what they know, remember or have learned about the past and the Marcos legacy? What is it like to perform nightly in an immersive theatrical musical where audiences stand, dance and move with the actors?
“Here Lies Love” received the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical; an Obie Award for Outstanding Music and Lyrics; Drama Desk Awards for Outstanding Music, Lighting Design, and Projection Design; and Theatre World Awards for Ruthie Ann Miles (as Imelda Marcos) and Conrad Ricamora (as Ninoy Aquino).
Filipino Mundo-NYC is a meetup group of young professionals and visual/performing artists socializing and creating art and performances in changing Manhattan venues. The group aims to cultivate a connected Filipino community; to enrich our experiences as global citizens enhancing, defining, and enriching the Filipino voice in harmony with the chorus of its surroundings — and at the same time to give voice, venue and appreciation to new generations of Filipino and Filipino American artists, musicians and performers whose lives, creativity and work provide a rich contribution to our American present.
Filipino American Press Club of New York is the first organization for FilAm journalists in New York. Its members are traditional and online journalists as well as bloggers. It was created in September 2011, and one of its activities is a monthly Kapihan where they facilitate a dialogue between leaders and personalities and members of the community.
Now fully owned by Filipinos, Ugly Kitchen is re-launching this month (July 2013) as permanent bar/restaurant in the East Village. It is the brainchild of Chef and Owner Aris Tuazon who was most recently the chef at Krystal’s Cafe 81. Tuazon established the popular Filipino pop-up venue Bar Kada, which had taken up a Sunday residence at Ugly Kitchen. Having now changed its menu, Tuazon serves a fusion of Filipino American food everyday.
RSVP is a must. Send an email to randygener@hotmail.com. Please come on time, and be prepared to pay for your own meal.