
West Side Story at the Vienna Volksoper – Classical Musical in a New Look
The production of Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story at the Vienna Volksoper, directed by Lotte de Beer, promises a contemporary interpretation of the world-famous musical. Nevertheless, this new interpretation raises questions about the balance between tradition and innovation. With its premiere on January 27, 2024, a production was presented that is characterized by both bold artistic decisions and criticism of its implementation. The piece is performed regularly - the dates can be found on the Vienna Volksoper's homepage. This article examines the production from a theater studies perspective, with particular attention to dramaturgy, stage design and actor direction. Minimalist stage design and symbolic spaces The stage design, designed by Christof Hetzer, deviates significantly from the original atmosphere of New York's street canyons. A minimalist approach dominates: gloomy walls and only a few set pieces characterize the scenes. The choice to strongly abstract the urban context of the action has polarized. The production creates a "non-place" aesthetic that emphasizes universal conflicts while almost completely erasing the specific New York local color. A pastel-colored house that appears during the dream sequence "Somewhere" was considered out of place and kitsch by critics, as it interrupts the serious tone of the scene and disrupts the narrative coherence. The Choreography: A Departure from the Original One of the most striking elements of West Side Story is the choreography designed by Jerome Robbins, which was replaced here by Bryan Arias. While Arias' approach shows respectable energy and precision, critics say the dance scenes lack the emotional power and virtuosity of the original. The iconic fights between the gangs in particular seem