I was just wondering about this.

So much of the commentary regarding the revival and the use of Spanish seems to be centered around ensuring that the Sharks don't come across as the "bad guys." As if that's often been a problem in previous productions.

I don't get this at all. True, they get less stage time and are less well developed than the Jets, but never, not even when I was ten years old, did I consider them the "bad guys." Granted, I was introduced to the show by a teacher as part of a "Romeo and Juliet" lesson plan, so I just considered them the equivalents of the Capulets, no better or worse than that.

Oh, well. I suppose that when issues like race are involved, it pays to be on the lookout for unfortunate implications. It's so strange that a musical which I could tell from age ten was meant to have an anti-racist message has sometimes been accused of racism.

I certainly didn't. If anything, the implication that the Jets might have raped Anita had their assault continued places them in the less favourable light. That said, neither side are really presented as the 'bad' one - just competing gangs.

I loved it and still do such a great one. when I was studying Performing Arts we had to learn the opening dance sequince between the jets and sharks was brill fun.

The Jets were more the bad guys in my opinion. The Sharks were just trying to fit in a new area and they were being forced out by the Jets and even the authorities.