Past Present Future The Great Political Fictions: Tim Rice on Evita
Aug 4, 2024
Tim Rice, the legendary lyricist behind the iconic musical 'Evita,' dives into the surprising origins of this captivating story about Eva Perón. He discusses the connection between celebrity and politics, drawing parallels to modern figures like Donald Trump. Rice shares insights on the complex legacy of Perón and how her life inspired a cultural phenomenon that resonates today. The conversation also touches on the enduring themes of fame, political narratives, and how musicals shape our understanding of history.
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Evita's Origin
- Tim Rice first learned about Eva Perón through stamps as a child.
- A radio program later sparked his interest in her story, leading to the musical.
Evita's Appeal
- Evita's story resonated with Tim Rice due to her fascinating character and the historical context of Peronism.
- The radio program that inspired the musical also featured James Dean, highlighting her star quality.
Research Challenges
- Researching Eva Perón was challenging for Tim Rice due to limited English resources.
- Her story was largely unknown in Britain before the musical.