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¡Pa'rriba Esa Bandera!: An Exploration of Puerto Rican Representation in West Side Story and In the Heights, 2023

 Item
Identifier: te_2023spring_jacuzzi_hannah.pdf

Scope and Content Note

From the Series:

The series contains Master's theses from 1943 to present. The theses consist of either a production book and a media component or solely a production book. The production books were originally submitted as physical bound copies, but were later submitted digitally. The physical production books are stored offsite and the digital production books are stored in the College's preservation repository.

The media components consist of U-matic tapes, VHS tapes, CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays and changed to digital submissions in 2020. There are also a handful of audiocassette tapes and one USB. The media components are stored onsite at the Archives.

Dates

  • 2023

Creator

Conditions Governing Use

The thesis is restricted due to FERPA, permission from the author is required before you can view the thesis.

Extent

91 pages (91 pages)

Language of Materials

From the record group: English

From the record group: Chinese

From the record group: Spanish; Castilian

Overview

"This thesis examines the relationship between the history of Puerto Rico and the stories told about the Puerto Rican experience on stage. Specifically, the thesis unpacks the 1961 and 2021 movie musical adaptations of West Side Story and the 2021 movie musical adaption of In the Heights. These two blockbuster Broadway musicals have received international acclaim for their artistry, as well as criticism for their presentation of Hispanic and Latin culture. To facilitate a robust conversation about each musical, the thesis offers foundational information about Puerto Rico's socio-political, economic, and cultural evolution from 500 BC to the 1950s. Reinforced by case studies and personal experience, the thesis also articulates the impact of colonization and the resulting complexity of the Puerto Rican identity in the modern era. Through this lens, the thesis explores the intent and impact of each musical in connection to the representation of the Puerto Rican experience." -- Abstract

Physical Location

RG 010.01D Performing Arts

Physical Description

91 pages

Repository Details

Part of the Emerson College Archives and Special Collections Repository

Contact:
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Boston Massachusetts 02116 United States
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