Evita

Evita [1] is a musical with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice. It concentrates on the life of Argentine political leader Eva Perón [2], the second wife of Argentine president Juan Perón. The story follows Evita's early life, rise to power, charity work, and eventual death. First performed at the Prince Edward Theatre in London on June 21, 1978.

The original text

The musical began as a rock opera concept album released in 1976.

Performance history in South Africa

1981: Staged by PACT in the Pretoria State Theatre and the Johannesburg Civic Theatre, directed by Geoffrey Martin, with musical direction by Bill Fairley and choreography by Linda Papworth. The cast included: Sharon Lynne/Jo-Ann Pezarro (Eva), Eric Flynn (Che), Gé Korsten (Peron), Aubrey Ellis/Alvon Collison (Magaldi) and Kim Kallie (Peron's Mistress).

1982: Performed by PACT, directed by Geoffrey Martin, choreography by Linda Papworth, musical director Lindsay Heard. Sets, costumes and projections designed by Timothy O'Brien and Tazeena Firth. Lighting designed by David Hersey, executed by Paul Pamboukian. Production assistant Etienne Puren. Dianne Chandler and Jo-Ann Pezarro alternated as Eva. Some other members of the cast were Gé Korsten, Eric Flynn, Johan Engelbrecht, Alvon Collison, Sam Marais and Kim Kallie.

1994: Presented by CAPAB Musicals by arrangement with Robert Stigwood and David Land at the Nico Opera House, opening on October 27. Directed by David Matheson, starring De Wet van Rooyen, Brenda Radloff, Kim Kallie.

2000: Staged by the Port Elizabeth Gilbert & Sullivan Society.

2011: Staged by the Port Elizabeth Gilbert & Sullivan Society and (directed by Robin Williams).

2013: Performed 24–31 August by Durban University of Technology (DUT) in partnership with the Playhouse Company at the Playhouse Drama. Directed by Debbie Lütge, with costume design and co-ordination by Nellie Ngcongo and Debbie Webster, set design by Derek O'Toole, choreography by Mdu Mtshali and music direction by Madlen Tzankova, the cast featured students cast from first, second and third year.

Sources

Wikipedia [3]

http://www.artlink.co.za/news_article.htm?contentID=33643

PACT theatre programme (1981).

CAPAB theatre programme (1994).

Go to ESAT Bibliography

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