[Northern Monkey]

American musical theatre performer Sierra Boggess had been cast as Maria.
Maria is a Puerto Rican character and the BBC is accused of 'whitewashing'.
Boggess has received abuse such as being told 'this isn't your story to tell'
Following a period of 'reflection' Boggess has stepped down from the role.

An actress has pulled out of a BBC Proms performance of West Side Story after the broadcaster was accused of ‘whitewashing’ by casting the white star in a Latina role.

American musical theatre performer Sierra Boggess had been cast as Maria, a Puerto Rican character, in the concert version of the Leonard Bernstein musical.

But after the details were announced last week, the BBC was criticised for not giving the role to a Latina actress.

One accused Miss Boggess, 35, of ‘stealing’ the role – which was famously played by US actress Natalie Wood in the 1961 film – from women of colour, while another said: ‘Step back. This is not your story to tell.’








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