In what year was the play Westside Story written and why?

West Side Story was written in 1957, but it's important to clarify that the play itself wasn't written, but rather it was the book (script) for the musical, written by Arthur Laurents.

The musical itself premiered in 1957, and its creation was inspired by a few factors:

* Romeo and Juliet: The story of West Side Story is a modern reimagining of Shakespeare's classic tragedy.

* Social Commentary: The play aimed to address the tensions and violence between different ethnic groups in New York City during the 1950s, specifically focusing on the rivalry between white and Puerto Rican gangs.

* Musical Trends: The 1950s saw the rise of musical theater, with shows like "Guys and Dolls" and "My Fair Lady" gaining immense popularity.

So, while the play itself wasn't "written" in the traditional sense, the book for the musical was completed in 1957 to capture the social realities of the time and offer a fresh take on a timeless story.