“Evita” is a play about the dichotomy of reactions that Argentina’s most adored First Lady evokes in factions of society. The musical in Colombo by Workshop Players happens to be the only one to concur with the 2012 Broadway revival of “Evita”. Directed by Jerome De Silva, the production is on at the Lionel Wendt from the 5^th to the 14th of this month.

‘Evita’ is presented by the Workshop Players in arrangement with The Really Useful Group Ltd. The production stars Shanuki de Alwis, Dilrukshi Fonseka, Melanie Bibile and Dimitri Gunatilake in the role of Eva, Mario de Soyza and Eraj de Silva as General Peron, Shenoj de Alwis and Rehan Almeida as Che.

It is directed by Jerome L. de Silva, with Surein De S. Wijeyratne as Assistant Director (Music) and Shanuki de Alwis Assistant Director (Choreography).

CAST COMMENTS

EVA PERON

Melanie Bibile

I took part on Saturday. I was feeling really nervous. These butterflies in my stomach were trying to do a Haka!! I’m always nervous at the opening Requiem song. But when the play moves on into the second act, I love the dying and crying.

Everything went really well. The energy of the ensemble was high. Everyone in the production gave their best support and that’s very important, I think. All in all, I just had a blast and absolutely enjoyed myself!!

Dilrukshi Fonseka

I think it’s going really well. We’ve heard many positive comments about the acting, singing, dancing, sets and the overall feel of it and it’s very encouraging. It’s indeed flattering and encouraging to hear that so many loved my performance.

The role of Eva is demanding on several levels, specially, physically and vocally. I really enjoy being part of this production.

Shanuki de Alwis

I’ve been a Workshopper for 15 years now. It’s always a pleasure to be with them and of course it’s Jerome’s production! I’ve been with other theatre groups, but Workshop Players is a different feeling altogether. I’m quite happy about the way the show is going.

It’s tiring (since it’s 10 nights) but so far so good. I think it’s quite a privilege to play the lead role alongside some of the best talent we have in Sri Lanka.

Dimithri Goonetilleke

JUAN PERON

Mario De Soyza

It’s been quite an experience. The audience is obviously enjoying the show. A lot of hard work has gone into this. Unlike on previous occasions, Workshop Players have prepared very much in advance for this.

I think everything that goes on behind the scenes – sets, lighting etc. – needs to be appreciated very much. Altogether, the last five days have been greatly enjoyable.

Eraj de Silva

CHE

Rehan Almeida

Shenoj de Alwis

The performance so far has been very successful and the audience is happy. We’ve got quite a lot of good feedback. The cast is working with much energy despite this being a fairly long run. Everyone’s giving their absolute best.

So far the four Evas have been brilliant.  Playing Che has been challenging, especially vocally. It is a tiring role, being on stage for almost 2 hours. It’s tiring but rewarding.

GUEST COMMENTS

Jehan Aloysius:

I was there at the opening night & I enjoyed the performance. The staging and sets were well executed. If any, the only issue was that the sound system was a bit of a problem.

But I suppose that was because it was the first night. The whole cast performed very well. My favourites were Mario de Soyza and Reihan Almeida.

Koluu:

This is truly a great achievement for Jerome de Silva who really put all his strength into the production. It was a fantastic show with a fabulous cast.

I actually have no criticism since I went with an open mind and thoroughly enjoyed it. Dilrukshi Fonseka and Mario de Soyza put up memorable performances.

Feroze Kamardeen:

Watched Evita on its opening night. Set and effects were truly a visual treat. As always, Jerome's use of space, lighting and his stagecraft leaves me astounded. Dilrukshi Fonseka looked and played a stunning Eva Peron.

The moment when Eva appears on the balcony shimmering and singing 'Don't Cry for me Argentina' now that was magic! A true Jerome moment. Glad to have Jerome firmly back in the scene. After the show the cast should have stayed backstage and spoken to the audience members who wanted to congratulate them.

Audience who ventured backstage were turned away by surly crew members and didn't get to meet the cast. Maybe that needs to change. Didn't take away from the spectacle of the play though. Well done Jerome and the Workshoppers.

Shyamalee Tudawe"

Evita, produced by the Workshop Players and directed by Jerome de Silva is a phenomenal production, one which is easily on par with the original. The first night blew the audience away with spectacular performances by Dilrukshi Fonseka as Eva, Rehan Almeida as Che and Mario de Soyza as Peron.

The sophisticated production proved beyond doubt the talent of the young actors and that a clever director with vision can make magic happen!

Danu:

After a very long time Lionel Wendt has showcased something worth watching. This was indeed a performance of international standards right here in Sri Lanka. Shenoj de Alwis (Che) was just brilliant. Every step he took on stage was full of confidence! Apart from him, Shanuki also put up a remarkable performance.

Chris – I thought that the play was quite well. Shanuki put up a remarkable performance. The role of Che was played very well too. He had lovely crisp singing voice. Peron was also good in the sense that he took a backseat instead of overpowering Evita. On the whole, it was good – I enjoyed it.

Adam:

I have seen it on two nights and I loved it! It’s very political and that it makes it a very difficult play to pull off. Workshop players have done a marvelous job; the energy level was very high. The singing was exceptionally good.

The characters came out very well. Occasionally there were a technical issues, but I suppose those are unavoidable and one has to make allowance for that. I would have also preferred a few more seniors in the cast. But overall, the performance was very enjoyable. 

The production is exclusively sponsored by Cargills Ceylon PLC and One Trust. The media sponsors are the Sunday Times, Daily Mirror and Hi!! Magazine.

By Nivedha Jeyaseelan and Sirohmi Gunesekera