Both Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story are based around the same theme of star-crossed lovers battling their family's notions of love and rightful place, but after that, they differ from one another in so many different ways that they are impossible to compare. One, obviously came before to influence the other; however, when it comes to placement, language, scope, era and contemporary issues, they are worlds apart. I find that the only true commonality (apart from the story line's progression as being similar) is found in the struggle that all the characters face through out their lives.
Personally, I'm a Shakespeare girl 99% of the time, but the more contemporary scene of West Side is much more relate able to me than people falling head over heels in love at age 14.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that viewing both pieces together doesn't uncover, for me, as much as seeing them on their own. I have to wonder though; we have been talking about Romeo and Juliet for 400+ years. Will West Side Story do the same?
I like your closing paragraph Katherine, it makes you wonder if in the future West Side Story will be the Shakespeare of musicals after all?
ReplyDeleteWhat qualities put a piece of theatre in the "canon"?
ReplyDeleteI find that everyone praises the language of Romeo and Juliet so frequently that West Side Story could never compete in that respect. And I completely agree that maybe they were never meant to be compared to each other in that way. There's something universal about expression through dance but since the choreography isn't written into the script like the text is with Romeo and Juliet, it may not have the longevity that the English language has provided Shakespeare.
ReplyDeletei really like that you mentioned the contemporary style specifically to the song "america" because it shows how far from the style of romeo and juliet it is, regardless that the musical was based on the play
ReplyDeleteI love that you mentioned that addition of culture into West Side Story. I agree that it does make a relevant addition to the piece and it allows a strong connection with modern day society. The use of culture in West Side Story is effective and specific in the music, the dance and in the plot. Which does create a wonderful source material for performers - especially if research is done into what it was like to be from Puerto Rico or a working class family in that time period. (For a wonderful tidbit about the inspiration for the cultural aspect in West Side Story, check this out: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2012/02/west-side-story-inspiration.html)
ReplyDeleteAlso, I just wanted to comment on the idea of 14 year olds falling head over heels for each other being unbelievable. What I find unbelievable is that people believe that they fall head over heels for each other. Personally, it could be lust, it could be love, it could be because being with Romeo is a better situation for Juliet and Romeo is horny. It comes down to the interpretation of the actors and the directors. I do believe that at a young age, being unexperienced, people are easily drawn into the idea that they are in love, especially if they are experiencing new emotions. I think Shakespeare has perfectly captured what those individuals would say if they had no idea what they were feeling - it is easiest to call it love. Also, we need to remember that Romeo and Juliet was written in a different era and because Juliet's father is getting ready to arrange a marriage for her, it must be around time for her to get married anyways. That being considered, it hopefully shouldn't be as jarring.