The People Power Revolution in the Philippines in February 1986 marked the fall of Ferdinand Marcos after 21 years of brutal dictatorship.
Now the non-violent revolution, in which hundreds of thousands of unarmed Filipinos took to the streets, is the subject of award-winning Queensland Theatre play Malacanang Made Us, having its world premiere this weekend.
Ferdinand Marcos, with his wife Imelda at his side and Ferdinand Marcos Jr., far right, gestures strongly from the balcony of Malacanang Palace in 1986.Credit: AP
“It’s about two Brisbane brothers, Martin and Ernie, who were revolutionaries, and they are dealing with Martin’s son wanting to be an activist, but he has no idea of his father’s or uncle’s past,” said playwright Jordan Shea.
Marcos and his wife, who went into exile in Hawaii, were accused of stealing billions of pesos from the Philippines government.
Shea said that many people might remember Imelda Marcos and her notorious collection of 1000 pairs of shoes.
“Everyone remembers the shoes, what they don’t remember is what that represents, which was 21 years of corruption, wealth and rule.”
Playwright Jordan Shea (right) with actor Marty Alix rehearsing the Queensland Theatre production.Credit: Morgan Roberts
Brisbane Filipino resident Malou Aguilar, who is advising the production, said she recalled making sandwiches and cardboard beds for protesters in Manila in 1986.
“Peaceful revolution is a gift of the Filipinos to the world, the younger generation should know that,” she said.
The play runs at the Bille Brown Theatre from October 18 to November 1.
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