Content
Skip to Main ContentAccessibility Help
Arts·Commotion

The labour dispute surrounding David Byrne's Broadway musical Here Lies Love

As David Byrne gets set to bring his disco musical Here Lies Love to Broadway this month, he’s facing resistance from the local musicians' union. Reporter Chris Willman explains why this isn’t a simple case of a production trying to cut costs.

The show’s producers and the Broadway musicians’ union reached an agreement just in time for previews

CBC Arts ·
Three people stand and look at the camera.
Jose Llana playing Former Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Arielle Jacobs playing former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos and Conrad Ricamora playing Opposition Leader Benigno Aquino. (Harold Julian)
10:01The labour dispute surrounding David Byrne's Broadway musical Here Lies Love

As David Byrne gets set to bring his disco musical Here Lies Love to Broadway this month, he's facing resistance from the local musicians' union, the American Federation of Musicians' Local 802. They claim the show's use of pre-recorded tracks in lieu of paid musicians violates Broadway's labour laws.

Reporter Chris Willman has been covering the story for Variety. He explains to guest host Talia Schlanger why this isn't a simple case of a production trying to cut costs.

WATCH | Imelda Marcos musical brings first all-Filipino cast to Broadway:

You can listen to the full discussion from today's show on CBC Listen or on our podcast, Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud, available wherever you get your podcasts.

Interview with Chris Willman produced by Stuart Berman.

Related Stories