A Modern Revision

West Side Story is a hit musical of the 1960’s that puts an interesting twist on Shakespeare’s ever-famous Romeo and Juliet. The musical still focuses on some of the same themes, but shines a modern light on others. It makes a large statement on racial issues in the U.S., but also remains loyal to Shakespeare’s original idea of questioning gender roles.

The fact that West Side Story is centered around two battling racial groups (European, white immigrants and Puerto Ricans) changes the plot of Romeo and Juliet significantly. The film is no longer focusing on the name that an individual possesses, but rather the color of his skin. At a time in America when this was a prominent issue, the film/musical would certainly have an impact on those who encountered it. Officer Krupke, who represents the Prince of Romeo and Juliet, is clearly partial to the Jets, because they are white. Even in the last scene of the film, the only individual arrested is Puerto Rican. West Side Story is perhaps pointing to the fact that America’s law was racially partial to whites. Law makers and law enforcers alike were unjust towards people of different ethnicities, and West Side Story clearly pays attention to this flaw in American society during the 1960’s.

The question of gender roles is also brought to the forefront of West Side Story. The opening scenes of the film reveal very “tough” boys with very graceful movements. The choreography seems almost balletic. The hateful deeds of which they are participating in are contrasted with soft dance steps. Though they are supposed to be rough and hateful men, their movement suggests the grace of a woman. The characters of Anybody and Baby John also play a significant role in stepping outside gender boundaries. Anybody is constantly striving to gain acceptance in the Jets, while Baby John is accepted, but seems to be less of a man than Anybody. Throughout the movie, Anybody reveals bravery, sensibility, and fearlessness, but Baby John is always doubting, fearful, and extremely sensitive. However, because he is a boy, he is expected to be a member of the Jets and because Anybody is a girl, she is not allowed to be member. When Anybody does finally gain acceptance, she is referred to as “buddy boy”. The film ultimately brings light to the fact that men are not always tough and emotionless, and women are not always senseless and sensitive, much in the same way the Romeo and Juliet brings light to these same issues. Overall, West Side Story is an ingenious revision of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet that highlights new issues and problems that were prominently evident in the 1960’s, including those of race and gender roles.