American stage star Sierra Boggess has pulled out of a BBC Proms West Side Story concert, apologising for the mistake of accepting it in the first place.
Boggess was meant to play the lead role, but earlier this week took to social media to announce she would be stepping down after deciding that the role should go to a Latina actress, as it was originally intended.
The character of Maria is Puerto Rican in the original musical. Boggess received criticism for accepting the role after declaring in 2015 she would never play Maria again due to feeling it would be a miscast.
This time around she argued that as it was a concert performance and not the show proper she should be allowed to perform in the role.
However, she has bowed to criticism and decided to offer the opportunity to a deserving Latina actress who can better connect with the character.
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In a Facebook post she wrote: Last week, it was announced that I will be singing in a concert of West Side Story at Royal Albert Hall for the BBC Proms in London. Because it was a concert presentation and not the show proper — I had signed on to lend my voice to honor Leonard Bernstein in his centennial this year, with an orchestra I have loved singing with for years, following in the long list of sopranos who have all sung the score before me.
After much reflection, Ive realised that if I were to do this concert, it would once again deny Latinas the opportunity to sing this score, as well as deny the IMPORTANCE of seeing themselves represented onstage. And that would be a huge mistake.
She continued: Since the announcement of this concert, I have had many conversations about why this is a crucial time, now more than ever, to not perpetuate the miscasting of this show. I apologise for not coming to this realisation sooner and as an artist, I must ask myself how I can best serve the world, and in this case my choice is clearer than ever: to step aside and allow an opportunity to correct a wrong that has been done for years with this show in particular.
I have therefore withdrawn myself from this concert and I look forward to continuing to be a voice for change in our community and our world!
The BBC told Metro.co.uk: We respect Sierras decision to withdraw from West Side Story at the BBC Proms this year and will announce her replacement in due course.
The show is due to be performed on 11 August.
Sierra was hailed for her decision, with one fan calling her statement a beautiful example of how the more privileged of us in this field of musical theatre can be true allies.
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Another, a Latina singer herself, thanked the singer for offering the opportunity to another artist: My whole life as a Latina classically trained Soprano I have had limited opportunities. Im so grateful things are changing.
One fan concurred: Your graceful and classy decision provides a wonderful opportunity for a talented Latina to perform the role with a significant connection to her heritage.
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