Help! Authentic Puerto Rican Accent needed for role

[deuxelle]

Hi! My name is Alexa and I am searching for some help in developing my accent for a role I am planning to audition for in May. The character is Anita from West Side Story, and I thought that there might be someone who could give me some advice in making my accent more authentic.

Thanks,
Alexa

[conciencia]

The story has never demonstrated our true entity, if anything it hindered our image. Beside we speak english just if not better than your main anglo...So please back off!

[Ecuajey]

Originally posted by conciencia
The story has never demonstrated our true entity, if anything it hindered our image. Beside we speak english just if not better than your main anglo...So please back off!

When I first saw West Side Story, the movie, I felt the same way as you did. Then I realized, that stereotypes like those have always been common, and still proceed to take place. Still, that doesn’t make it right. Though, it shows the world what were the racial tensions between Boricuas and Anglos during those times, and how stereotypical that movie was in portraying that. Today, most know the truth of how Boricuas really are. The movie could have been better, and all that music and dancing just made me sick, but it did show the reality of racist Anglo moviemakers.

Also, if that movie were never made, our Rita Moreno would have never won the Oscar. Remember, the Oscar went to Rita, the authentic Boricua, instead of the brown painted Anglo, ”Maria” in that movie.

How the play is still portrayed today is another story and could be revised.

Also, with respect, I don’t think deuxelle was looking for any insulting confrontation. She was just looking for an answer for a question she had for an acting role. I think she deserved a better reply then she did. That is just my opinion, because I sure dislike getting responses like she did, and would like anyone to step in and fight with me. Anyway, take care, and much respect.

[conciencia]

Ecuajey,

We must stop our weakness el " Ahy Bendito" We must express our real sentiments toward the very root and platforms that creates massive stereotyping. NO SLACK! NO MERCY! NONE!

The individual is just a victim of ignorance...a stronghold as well as a firm stand in this reality must be eluded strongly with no show of weakness.

Rita Morena, may have gain such reward of recognition, but that still does not and will not justify..the international damage done to Puetorricans one that has hunted us til this day. She could have very well, if she is good, won it under othher roles or caracter...however I will hold all Puerto Ricans hostages because of a award..no sir..no way!

There is no law our regulation, that I know of to revise this play, screen and depictions of this sorry ass story! It they will not be one if we keep treating it with "warm rags"..It must be treated harsh! with no dismay!

This individual with no doubt will do more research we engaging into her artistic career. In fact, her very insensitivity about our "accent" was a racial remark and offensive to me and I am sure to many. This people must be considered of us...The damage is so deep that they unconciously humilate without resentment. We have grown so accostume to that, that we just learn to live if it!

I will give you an example! Go to a crowed area mall, street on rush hour and walk in a stait line, be polite and step aside when necessary, however when you are found in a situation where equality is met, in other words, to either you move or an anglo move to give way...Found out conciously how many times you gave way? You will be surprise!

Take care brother! I been around too long for or to take sh-t anymore...I will stop it immediatly and will not be tactful...yet direct.

[Ecuajey]

Originally posted by conciencia
Go to a crowed area mall, street on rush hour and walk in a stait line, be polite and step aside when necessary, however when you are found in a situation where equality is met, in other words, to either you move or an anglo move to give way...Found out conciously how many times you gave way? You will be surprise!

Oh, not for me. I know what you mean, however, I'm not that kind of person. I give respect when respect is deserved. I would only move politely if it was a woman, joven o vieja. For men, if they're not old, then they're going to move for me, lol. I go to a large and diverse school, so this happens all the time.

[Ecuajey]

Casting Puerto Ricans In 'West Side Story' May Be Tough Act

By Cristina Elía

October 11, 2002
Copyright © 2002 Orlando Sentinel.
All rights reserved.

KISSIMMEE -- It's an idea whose time may have come: Puerto Ricans acting in a play about Puerto Ricans.

But because of the subject matter of the play, it's uncertain whether Puerto Ricans will go for it.

The Osceola Players, an amateur community troupe based at the Osceola Center for the Arts, is looking to cast Hispanics in its upcoming production of West Side Story.

Although, the Osceola Center for the Arts has included Hispanic actors in previous plays,this will be the first play that the group produces that specifically looks to cast Hispanics.

"We've had a lot of Hispanic visual artists show in our space," said Kip Watson, executive director of the center. "But I'm not sure exactly what we've had [as far as actors] that are Hispanic."

The director of the play is Ron Colburn, who is known for very elaborate set designs. He said he's not looking to fill the spots with Puerto Ricans or Hispanics as a novelty.

"I'm just doing what the script says," said Colburn, about West Side Story, a play that tells the story of Romeo and Juliet through a modern look at urban gang warfare.

For 45 years the Puerto Rican community has been ambivalent about West Side Story, which plays on stereotypes, but which is regarded as one of the greatest musicals of all times.

The late Leonard Bernstein composed the music and Stephen Sondheim wrote the lyrics to such famous songs as "María," "Somewhere," and "Tonight." Puerto Rican actress Rita Moreno won an Oscar for supporting actress in the movie.

West Side Story, about a Puerto Rican girl who falls in love with an Italian boy, was one of the first theater pieces to deal with cultural conflict, both from within and without the cultures portrayed.

Colburn said he's aware of the play's controversy, but isn't looking to play on it.

"It's not what I'm trying to do here," he said.

He doesn't believe the actors who have been invited to audition know about the play's reputation in the Hispanic community. Colburn added that he's not going to bring up the issue because it might confuse the actors.

Nonetheless, Colburn said he's having a hard time finding Hispanic actors to take on the roles.

One of the talent pools open to Colburn is Talentos, a Hispanic amateur acting group that also is based at the center. The group was originally started by the well-known Puerto Rican actress Sharon Riley. It is now taught by Tito Galarza, who also is a board member of the center.

Galarza said his group was invited to audition for the play, but as a Puerto Rican he is careful to get involved in projects that put Puerto Ricans only in the best light.

In addition, he said he wants to make sure that his students don't get typecast.

"I don't want to be stereotyped," said Galarza. "But I know that [other members of the center] see it as art. I want to be invited to participate in West Side Story, but I also want to be invited to other things. I have some very talented people who can play Hamlet."

Colburn said he will be scouting for people to audition Oct. 13 at the Viva Osceola festival in Kissimmee. He is looking for people in their late teens or early 20s, whom he characterized as "angry, young men" who can dance.

Open auditions will be held Dec. 8 and 9. West Side Story is set to open Valentine's Day 2003. For more information, call The Osceola Center for the Arts at 407-846-6257.