Filipino-Australian creatives bring Philippine history to life in Malacañang Made Us

Filipino-Australian actor Marcus Rivera shared his journey preparing for the role of Ernie in the award-winning play Malacañang Made Us, set to premiere as part of Queensland Theatre’s 2025 season. The play tells the story of two brothers separated during the fall of the Marcos regime in 1986 and reunited decades later in Brisbane, exploring themes of family, legacy, and survival.

Filipino-Australian actor Marcus Rivera is set to captivate audiences in the award-winning play Malacañang Made Us, which will premiere as part of Queensland Theatre’s 2025 season. Image credit: Queensland Theatre/Kimberley Hodgson/SBS Filipino

Key Points

• The play, written by Jordan Shea and winner of the Queensland Premier’s Drama Award 2025, will be staged at Queensland Theatre Company in Brisbane from 18 October to 1 November 2025.
• Rivera recounted his memories of the 1986 EDSA Revolution in the Philippines at just 11 years old, recalling the rallies on television and the stories shared by his parents and aunts.
• Having spent over 20 years in Australian theatre, Rivera also reflected on his career and the evolution of the industry for actors from diverse backgrounds.

LISTEN TO

Filipino-Australian creatives bring Philippine history to life in Malacañang Made Us

SBS Filipino

20:12Filipino

Being able to tell Filipino stories on the Australian stage is a responsibility I deeply value..I wanted to honour the lived experiences of those affected by that [Martial Law] period while connecting the story to modern audiences.

Marcus Rivera, Theatre Actor

📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino

🔊 On Air – Tune in to SBS Filipino on radio stations across Australia and website live stream, and TV Channel 302 from 10 AM to 11 AM AEST daily.

📲 Catch up episodes and stories – Visit sbs.com.au/filipino or stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube Podcasts, and SBS Audio app.

📣 Follow Us on Social Media – Stay updated by following us on Facebook and Instagram.