EVITA question

[morosco]

EVITA question#1

Posted: 2/8/10 at 10:51pm

Can someone tell me what the following moment has to do with anything else in EVITA?

CHE
On the 9th February 1935, in Buenos Aires--a polo
match, between a team of leading Argentine players and
the touring British side. The British ambassador said he
had never seen a social occasion quite like it. Even by the
standards of Buenos Aires society the gathering at the
polo ground glittered. The Rolls' and the Daimlers, the
hampers from Harrod's, the clothes, the diamonds, the
crystal, the wines, the procession of nannies from
England and France. The result of the match? Oh yes--
the home team won, but as the British ambassador
pointed out, that did not reflect badly on British
horsemanship. Three of the Argentine players were
educated at Eton.

[givesmevoice]

EVITA question#2

Posted: 2/8/10 at 10:56pm

I thought it was supposed to provide some sort of context and set up the relationship between the British and the Argentinians in the 1930s and 40s. Also, judging from a video on ~that site~ when the aristocrats enter the scene during Buenos Aires, young Eva is awestruck by them and tries to get closer, and they keep moving away. After they leave the scene, she is still watching them, even when she resumes dancing.

When I see the phrase "the ____ estate", I imagine a vast mansion in the country full of monocled men and high-collared women receiving letters about productions across the country and doing spit-takes at whatever they contain. -Kad

[morosco]

EVITA question#2

Posted: 2/8/10 at 11:01pm

Aha. Interesting.

[Bret]

EVITA question#3

Posted: 2/8/10 at 11:04pm

It serves as her introduction to high society. She sees the upper classes on display, and it sparks her desire to move up the social ranks.

"Wherever you go... I'll be right there. When you get your own private kick in the ass, just remember: it's a present from me to you." Rose's dying words to Louise

[Scripps2]

EVITA question#4

Posted: 2/9/10 at 1:55pm

It demonstrates how Argentina was subservient to European influence and fueled Eva's resentment of that.

"Look out, mighty Europe!" she sings later, when embarking on her European tour, determined to set Argentina on an equal footing with those influential nations.

It also ties in with the references to "nationalisation of the industries that the foreigners control" in A New Argentina.

[Adam Chris]

EVITA question#5

Posted: 2/9/10 at 4:48pm

"but as the British ambassador
pointed out, that did not reflect badly on British
horsemanship. Three of the Argentine players were
educated at Eton. "

I love that last part.

[Gothampc]

EVITA question#6

Posted: 2/9/10 at 5:24pm

I think it works on two levels:

Establishing the relationship between Argentina and England. Che is the critic of all things "Peron" and he is pointing out that even in Argentina, the British are better. Also remember that on the Rainbow Tour Eva was not welcomed at Buckingham Palace, but one of the other palaces. Hence Evita saying: "Who the hell does the King of England think he is? Tea at some tinpot castle of his, what kind of invitation is that? Argentina deserves Buckingham Palace. If England can do without me, then Argentina can do without England."

On another level, Andrew Loyd Webber knew this would first premiere in England. I think it's a bit of fun with him pointing out the high qualities of his home England.

If anyone ever tells you that you put too much Parmesan cheese on your pasta, stop talking to them. You don't need that kind of negativity in your life.