In a new interview, Jose Llana, the Drama Desk Award-winning actor, recounts the ups and downs of his showbiz journey from Manila to Manhattan.
''Here Lies Love'' marks his 8th Broadway show over a course of over 25 years. Born in Manila, this Filipino-American actor, 47, is playing a Filipino for the first time on the Great White Way. Ironically, Llana is portraying Ferdinand Marcos, the very dictator who drove his family from his homeland and caused them to move to America.
Opportunities and roles, like Marcos, don't come along every day, especially for Asian-American actors. (In 2014, Llana earned a Lortel nomination for his powerful performance.)
And he aims to continue making the most of it with his seductive stagework. As Llana says in the interview: ''I know my purpose in 'Here Lies Love.' I'm here. I've earned it.'' |