Opening in 1978 on the West-End, the show Evita, was originally based on a concept album by its creators Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. It documents the life of Eva Peron, an inspiration to many as a political leader in Argentina, as well as the great struggles she had and the many criticisms she faced. Being nominated for 10 Tony awards, it won a staggering 7, and is beloved by a great many. The show has been the inspiration for a film production, which was also well received, starring both Antonio Banderas and pop sensation Madonna.
The story begins with Eva as a child, attempting to visit her father’s funeral, but because she is from the lower class part of the family, she is not allowed into the church. As she grows up, this kind of discrimination is what leads her to want power. She begins by moving to the city with a star musician, however when she gets there, she finds out that he has a family of his own and so must fend for herself. Eventually she gets a modelling job, and then uses her charm and good looks to work her way to the top of society. It is at a charity concert that she meets Peron, a government official, who she then also seduces. The two begin a love affair, and eventually start a campaign together for his election as President of Argentina. When he wins, she sings probably the most famous song in the show, ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’, to remind those in the lower classes who have voted, of the journey that she has been on from poor, to wealthy and powerful. As Peron’s term has success, Eva embarks on a tour of Europe, so that she can make a good impression across the rest of the continent. As the tour goes on, she starts to feel weaker and ill, soon discovering that the tour must end early, since she is dying of cancer. She eventually realises that she doesn’t have enough time to make the changes she would have liked, and sings ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’ again once more before she dies. Finally, the lower classes pay their respects to their revered leader. Throughout the piece, the character of Che plays the part of a somewhat narrator to the story, who is also critical of the actions of Eva throughout.
Having not seen the stage show, I can’t compare, but the film is certainly a spectacle. For a movie musical, the creative team really went to town on giving it a large scale and making it seem like the real thing, rather than just a slightly more realistic version of the stage show. For some scenes, there are an extremely large number of extras, and wide shots across the Argentine city. The film also has a unique vintage tone, which draws the viewer in. While it is rather long, if you are used to theatre performances, you will be at home with this film, and the good acting talents within it are never boring, including Jonathon Pryce as Peron, alongside the two lead stars.
This film will certainly not disappoint any traditional musical theatre fan, since it is very emotional, touching and tragic, and takes the viewer along a real journey through the entire life of the central character. The film is of course available for purchase on DVD, and a production of the show version is also touring the UK this year, so there may be a chance to see it near you. This show has much to offer, with great songs, drama and, being based on real life, an educational element as well.
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