"The comparisons of language could be multiplied, and always, of course Shakespeare is bound to win.” - Norris Houghton 13
As we discussed in class on this ever-so-tiring subject, many people sit on either side of this argument. I, on the other hand, don't think there should be sides to it. For the direct reason being that Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet is a straight play focused on the beauty on words and literary schemes. Bernstein's West Side Story is a musical with many relations, obviously, to Shakespeare's work, but still remains a musical. Musicals focus on story, choreography, music, and everything else that makes a Theatrical Production exciting to watch.
They are completely different works of art with the respectable relation between them of the story. Shakespeare did not write music, Bernstein did not write literature. Therefore, a comparison of these two works, in my opinion is comparing The Bible to a Britney Spear's song. They are completely different, and arguing which is better is simply pointless because of the fact that there is almost no way to compare these two separate works.
I believe the argument of which is better is far to generic. To argue something this opposite, one must be far more specific.
Thank you.
Me gusta mucho.
ReplyDeleteI agree, they're two different things, although I do like comparing situations/characters between a modern/old time.
Fave quote: "Shakespeare did not write music, Bernstein did not write literature." - Point and match.
Make it less generic then, rather than deflecting the discussion :-) (friendly nudge)
ReplyDeleteAgreed. They are very different and comparing their worth against each other makes me feel uneasy especially since we just spent this last unit looking at how theatre has evolved over hundreds of years. It's hard to find common ground for a criteria.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree, they are both wonderful for different reasons. People have their preferences but that doesn't mean we can claim one as better than the other.
ReplyDeleteIt depends entirely on what aspect of the shows you are comparing and where your interests lie.
I am curious about when you say that Shakespeare's play is "focused on the beauty on words and literary schemes" and that West Side Story is more focused on everything "that makes a Theatrical Production exciting to watch".
ReplyDeleteI do completely agree with you on the fact that there is high production values in West Side Story and that there is great literary value in Romeo and Juliet. However, I think the plot in Romeo and Juliet is just as valid (considering it is similar) and the production values are the same. Shakespeare did not write poetry. He wrote plays. They were meant to be seen, experienced, performed. An unfortunate situation about modern day society is that people believe that to enjoy Shakespeare's work, one must understand the poetic structures and devices used. As an actor, these devices are similar to "clues in music" that a musical theatre performer would search for. They fortify the relationships that are being established and the action that is happening. For an audience member who does not know about these devices, it should still be okay. This is because there are strong relationships and relatable stories that come from Shakespeare's works. For example, Hamlet is about a son, a father, a mother, a girlfriend and an uncle. Everyone in the modern day world can understand the implications behind these relationships.
Though theatre has evolved over the centuries, it is still theatre. In my opinion, a production of Romeo and Juliet can be just as exciting as a production of West Side Story; if not more so. For us to be able to analyze these pieces, we don't need to look at them as poetry or music; we just need to see them both as pieces of theatre that are meant to be performed and experienced.
Just my two cents.
I enjoy comparing the two but its true, we aren't debating which show is better, we are debating what style of theater is better which isn't really fair, but I still say it needs to be done.
ReplyDelete