Jennifer Ward Lealand and Ria Hall among powerhouse singers bringing Imelda Marcos’ story to the stage

Five powerhouse female vocalists are taking to the stage in Auckland with the story of former first lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos.

Here Lies Love, featuring Jennifer Ward-Lealand and Ria Hall, is the stage adaption of an disco pop concept album created by David Byrne and FatBoy Slim in 2010.

The name is taken from the words Mrs Marcos once requested be inscribed on her tombstone.

The songs in the show chart the rise and fall of the former first lady and her dictator husband, known for their luxurious lifestyle during a period of economic turmoil in the Philippines.

Mrs Marcos is now 89 and has this month been convicted of political corruption.

“There are so many layers of complexity but it's really, really interesting and I think we've all managed to learn something from each of the songs because they all tell a significant part of very recent history,” said singer Ria Hall.

The timing of the show comes less than a week after creator David Byrne was in Auckland for a show.

Here Lies Love is on until December 8 at the Q Theatre.