Looking at Rotterdam through the lens of the West Side Story

Paul van de Laar adds that since Rotterdam developed its new docks across the river and started to build Rotterdam South, this area has been framed as place of otherness where the poor migrants and dock workers settled. “The river Maas is then not just a physical barrier which is easy to cross, but a mental barrier. The differences between Rotterdam North and South can be used as a metaphor to express social, cultural and ethnic differences. This is exactly what the West Side Story expresses.”

The role of music in communication and tolerance

“We live in the age of emotions and that makes communication troublesome. Words matter of course, but sometimes in issues of societal debate, they may complicate communication. Music and dance - an ideal combination - are powerful ways to guide our emotions.” Emese adds that Music is a language on its own, it’s less direct than words.

"West Side Story shows us that there’s a delicate balance between success and failure"

“Rotterdam South is a city of arrival.” Mentioned Van de laar. “And to find your way in Rotterdam and to climb the social ladder you need all your talents. There are a lot of talented people living in Rotterdam South but how do you tap these talents? Which problems face young adults in these parts of Rotterdam?”

And that’s where the West Side Story comes into play. “The musical shows us that there’s a delicate balance between success and failure and this depends on the social and cultural conditions in vulnerable neighbourhoods. Group pressure can be a major obstacle to escape from the existing conditions. It requires strength and courage to break through those group processes. The problems the musical addresses are of all times and the fact that New York restages the musical and adapts it to new social and cultural circumstances shows how its relevance. It would be great to stage a Rotterdam version.“

Port cities have a certain reputation

An example of a theme from the West Side Story related to Rotterdam is the crime rate in Rotterdam South. Emese von Bóné: “That’s why the district-court of Rotterdam installed a community-court in a multicultural neighbourhood with a high crime rate in Rotterdam South, a pilot conform the community-court in New York.”

“People really believe that parts of Rotterdam South are a no-go area. But compared to other districts in port cities in Europe or elsewhere, Rotterdam has a better track record.” Says Paul van de Laar. “However, port cities have a reputation of being cities on the edge, unloved within the nation and they really had to work very hard to improve their images. Rotterdam has been successful, but the city remains vulnerable to external shocks. The Covid-19 crisis has shown the vulnerability of the population to unexpected setbacks."