Set to take to the boards from October 5^th – 14^th, “Evita” is a play about the dualism of reactions that Argentina’s most adored First Lady evokes in facets of society. It is reckoned to be a matchless masterpiece by the legendary pair Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. 

The musical in Colombo by Workshop Players happens to be the only one to concur with the 2012 Broadway revival of “Evita”.

 

  

 

The production is a biography and revolves around the life of an ambitious yet lacklustre actress who advances by the sole means of her popularity among “Descamisados” or the ‘shirtless ones.’ Their support enables their beloved champion’s husband, General Peron to obtain the nation’s Presidency.

However the Argentinean elite consider her to be fraudulent, manipulative and have scant regard for her popularity. This dichotomy of estimation is the cornerstone for Jerome L. De Silva’s upcoming play “Evita.”

 

 

The cast of over fifty is rehearsing in full swing to portray this collision through the framework of musical splendour and choreography. The production is evidently a comeback for Workshop Players as it most certainly marks the end of a period of dormancy. The most striking quality of the play is the fact that the same character is played by many persons, somewhat resonating the nature of diverse feedback given to the same person – Eva Peron.

Shanuki de Alwis

 

who plays one of the four Eva Perons in the musical says the story follows Eva’s rise to power as First Lady from being a 15 year old commoner in a small Argentinean village. “All of the four portrayals are unique. There is a little bit of our own selves in each,” she remarked.

Shanuki added that this is the first time Workshop Players has begun rehearsing so much in advance to the performance – “it’s coming together very well.”

She is also an Assistant Director (Choreography) and went on to say that the audience may expect an enthralling and atypical show since the dance and music have been given meticulous attention to suit the Latin American civilization of Argentina.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Melanie Bibile

who also plays the same character, says that that it is not exactly a piece of cake to her.

“I have never played such a strong character. Eva’s personality is even intimidating sometimes, from being a child she grows up into this complacent woman who knows exactly where she wants to go in life, and how to get there.”

She added that the difficulty was that her own personality was so divergent from that of Eva’s and this makes it a tough role to play. “It is a fantastic character and I hope I do it justice,” said an excited Melanie.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eraj de Silva

shares his role of Eva’s husband, Juan Peron, with Mario de Soyza. Eraj described the role as one that is double-edged: “Peron was a Dictator after all. But within his external look of toughness, there is an innate insecurity and doubt that requires the help of Eva’s determination and support.”

He went on to say that the character is therefore a topical and realistic one. “I want to try and bring out that human side to this great leader,” he deduced.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shenoj de Alwis plays one of the two Ches. “It is a complex character that is open to interpretation,” he explained. He elaborated that Che is the narrator who functions as the spirit of the city as well the sub conscience of the characters themselves – “even the obscure thoughts of the protagonists are voiced through this character.” He added that the early representations of Che as the revolutionist Guevara are groundless and latter productions have definitely redefined this view and De Silva’s musical is of no exception.

 

‘Evita’ is presented by the Workshop Players in arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd. It will take to the boards from October 5^th to 14^th at the Lionel Wendt Auditorium. The production stars Shanuki de Alwis, Dilrukshi Fonseka, Melanie Bibile, Dmitri Gunatilake, Mario de Soyza, Eraj de Silva, Shenoj de Alwis and Rehan Almeida. It is directed by Jerome L. de Silva, with Surein De S. Wijeyratne as Assistant Director (Music) and Shanuki de Alwis Assistant Director (Choreography). The production is exclusively sponsored by Cargills Ceylon PLC and One Trust.

The media sponsors are the Sunday Times, Daily Mirror and Hi!! Magazine. Box office details will be announced sometime this month.

 

By Nivedha Jeyaseelan