inter-marriage

West Side Story

West Side Story was an acclaimed and popular Broadway musical in 1959 and then Hollywood film in 1961.  Based on the story of Romeo and Juliette, it is the story of an ill-fated and impossible love between Tony and Maria whose families and communities are at war with each other.

The conflict in this story is encapsulated in this song, an argument between Maria and her best friend, Anita.  Maria had fallen in love with Tony, a boy from the rival gang.  Maria's brother, Bernardo, was also Anita's boyfriend.