Henson, David, Webber, AL and Rice, T (2021) EVITA the Musical. [Performance]

Abstract

Director’s Note
Evita’s are raining down on us: saint, martyr, socialist, feminist, fashion plate, fascist, adventuress, whore, witch, wandering corpse. Evita the Good, Evita the Bad and Evita the Everything in Between.

The personal turmoil in response to the death of Eva Peron is explored from the opening to the final bars of the show. The narrative commentary attributed to the character of Che Guevara, a theatrical decision instigated by Hal Prince, is now to be returned to the original concept created by Tim Rice in representing the anonymity of Everyman. This production gives the role of Che (often referred to as ‘pal’ ‘bro’, or ‘mate’) back to the people of Argentina (the ensemble) who have observed and experienced the different ‘shades’ of Eva Perón’s life from 1934 to the moment of her death in 1952. In this performance, the company shares this story of sex, show business ambition, and reflects upon these conflicting perceptions of her life with you. Our Brechtian style production aims to explore and identify the dangers when glorifying Eva Perón, who is essentially an extremist blessed with glamour and riches. (One wonders how the world would have reacted to Eleanor Roosevelt if she had possessed the glamour and sexual attraction of Eva Maria Ibarguren/Duarte Perón). The opening number reveals the key to this musical because we are transported from pure religious fervour to the disturbing sonorities of rock and roll. We leave you to make up your mind about Eva Perón as we narrate her story through the words and music of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. We hope you enjoy this production.

Item Type:	Performance
Subjects:	Education > Higher education Performing arts Performing arts > Theatrical events
Depositing User:	David Henson
Date Deposited:	21 Feb 2022 20:12
Last Modified:	05 Mar 2022 12:18
URI:	https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/8802

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