Portrayal of Puerto Rican Characters in West Side Story: An Analysis

The original West Side Story musical, known for its Romeo and Juliet-inspired tale, originally featured a conflict between young Puerto Rican and Italian Americans. However, when the film adaptation was released, Maria, a central Puerto Rican character, was played by a white actress. This article delves into the reasons behind this casting decision, the racial dynamics of the time, and the broader context of representation in film and theater.

Why was Maria Portrayed as a White Actress in the Film Adaptation?

One might wonder why the character of Maria, a Puerto Rican, was played by Natalie Wood, a white actress, in the film adaptation. This decision might seem perplexing when considered from the perspective of modern inclusivity and representation. However, it is important to understand the historical and cultural context of the time when the film was made in 1961.

Race and Casting in West Side Story (1961)

The original stage production of West Side Story certainly presented a diverse cast, a significant step for its time. Many of the Puerto Rican roles were played by non-white actors, reflecting the multiracial nature of Puerto Rican heritage, which includes African, European, and indigenous influences. Some of the notable cast included:

Rita Moreno as Rita (Shark) Roger Reiner as Bernardo (Shark) Joanne DeVerena as Chino (Shark) Bernardo Badillo as Howard (Amerasian) Carlos Fuentes as Jin Marta (Shark) Ofelia de Chicho Ponce as Gus (Shark)

Despite this diversity, the case of Maria stands out as her being played by a white actress, Natalie Wood. This choice sparked questions about representation and the absence of larger Puerto Rican role models, especially in mainstream media.

Limitations of Representation in Early 1960s

It is crucial to consider the limitations of representation during the early 1960s. In 1960, the U.S. population consisted of 88.6% whites and only 3.2% Hispanics, a number that includes Puerto Ricans (Source: 1960 Census). This statistic emphasizes the relative paucity of Hispanic singers, dancers, and actors in both theater and film.

A notable exception to the general scarcity was Rita Moreno, who became the first Puerto Rican and second Hispanic to win an Academy Award. This was a significant achievement but also brought to light the broader issues surrounding the representation of Puerto Rican and other Hispanic cultures in media.

Changing Demographics and Cultural Dynamics

The story of West Side Story was inspired by the early 20th-century conflict between Jewish and Irish populations in New York City, before it was adapted for a Puerto Rican and Italian American setting. This shift in characters allowed for a broader exploration of cultural conflict and provided a platform for marginalized voices to be heard in both Broadway and Hollywood.

Additionally, it is important to acknowledge the influential role of Rafael Hernández, a Puerto Rican composer, who was prominent in the Mexican film industry, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. His work was popular among Puerto Ricans, showcasing another layer of cultural exchange and representation.

Conclusion

The casting of Maria as a white actress in the film adaptation of West Side Story was not a straightforward decision but rather a product of the time. While the original stage production made significant strides in portraying Puerto Rican and other cultures, the limitations of the time—both in terms of the number of available Puerto Rican actors and the broader societal representation—meant that the film adaptation had to navigate these constraints.

Despite this, the film still brought much-deserved attention to the Puerto Rican experience, essentially giving Maria a moment to shine on a global stage. As society continues to evolve, it is essential to reflect on these moments and learn from them to create more inclusive and representative portrayals in the future.

Keywords: West Side Story, Puerto Rican, casting, portrayal, cultural representation