EVITA question

[morosco]

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]

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.

[morosco]

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

Aha. Interesting.

[Bret]

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.

[Scripps2]

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]

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]

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.