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Imelda Marcos, Dictator of Taste?

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Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

13/01/2011

BBC Radio 4 - Imelda Marcos, Dictator of Taste?

Mark Ellen asks why Imelda Marcos is emerging as an unlikely modern icon.

David Byrne and Norman Cook discuss the emergence of Imelda Marcos as an unlikely modern icon as Mark Ellen explores her transformation from patroness of the arts to global muse.

During her time as First Lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos was an enthusiastic patroness of the arts. She has now become an object of inspiration to musicians and artists across the globe, with Imelda-inspired works including an elaborate song cycle, photographs, a film and a musical. 

Mark Ellen explores the emergence of Imelda Marcos as an unlikely modern icon as David Byrne, Norman Cook and other artists and musicians inspired by her life consider why Imelda has mutated into a modern muse and whether she deserves such broadly sympathetic treatment. 

Producer: Julia Johnson.

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