Let's Talk About Theatre

Before I talk about race, I would like to start off saying I recognize I am a white woman. I have white privilege. 

I may not be the best person to speak about this topic, but it is important for white people to speak up also. BIPOC should not be the only ones calling out racism and the racist troupes.

It’s important for white people to also acknowledge our role in ignoring and benefiting from racism. 

Now, Let’s Talk about Theatre.

I believe “West Side Story” is a beautiful musical. The dancing is remarkable. Not to mention I am a hopeless romantic for Tony and Maria. 

It is a story about racial injustice, but when not shown correctly everything that is truly beautiful about “West Side Story” can fall down the cliff. 

The 1961 film proves this. 

When you’re telling a story about racial injustice but are racist within your production, it is corrupted. 

For background, there are two groups that fight within this musical. The groups called the Jets are White Americans and the other group, the Sharks, are Puerto Ricans. 

The History of black face is disgusting. White performers would paint their face black to make fun of the BIPOC community. 

In the 1961 movie, many of the cast members and leads darken their makeup to look more Puerto Rican on the screen. This showed the term black face, that was used many times throughout history.

We continue to have problems with racist costumes today. It needs to stop.

There are different productions of “West Side Story“ being made today. There are many musicals that show the importance of race and ethnicity within casting.

I hope Broadway will show the importance of real diversity in their shows. It is important and needs to be done.