BWW Reviews: Cultural Divides in ArtsWest's CHINGLISH

The message of a cultural divide, sometimes hilarious and sometimes tragic, is there in ArtsWest's current production of David Henry Hwang's "Chinglish" but it just needs to settle into a more concise telling of the story. I'm sure it will settle in over time but there was just a lack of pacing as if the actors weren't quite sure of their next line. But that's fairly understandable as about half of the play is in Chinese.

The message I referred to is twofold as it starts off as a misinterpretation of language but evolves into a deeper understanding of culture as American sign maker Daniel (Evan Whitfield) travels to China to attempt to get the job as the sign maker for a new cultural arts center. Teaming up with British teacher Peter (Guy Nelson) the two attempt to persuade the Minister of Cultural Affairs Cai (Hing Lam) and his Vice Minister Xi Yan (Kathy Hseih) that Daniel's company can keep the signs from becoming a laughing stock such as past ones that read "Deformed Man Toilet" instead of Handicapped (and that's the most innocent of them). But Daniel is in for a much greater education of the societal and business dealings of the Chinese especially when he and Xi Yan become closer.

Director Annie Lareau keeps the pacing between the scenes moving especially with the various location and scene changes needed but the pacing within the scenes seemed slow and inconsistent. Some may argue that the slow pacing gave the audience the chance to read the super-title translations of the dialogue but many times it felt as if that slow pace went too far and made the flow of the show static and plodding.

There are, however, some very touching and wonderful performances in the show especially from leads Whitfield and Hseih. Whitfield manages several wonderful layers but still keeps you on his side even as secrets about him come to light. And Hseih brings in a fantastic portrayal of a woman not necessarily stuck in a certain way of living but resigned to it and able to make the best of it. Nelson makes the most of his duplicitous role but he most of all felt a bit flat and one-note. Lam has some wonderful moments as the minister especially as he realizes his party is done with him. And I have to mention some small yet hilarious moments turned in by supporting players Audrey Fan, Serin Ngai and Moses Yim.

All told, Hwang's play is a solidly fun and thoughtful piece but the folks at ArtsWest need to settle into it to get beyond the language and into the meaning. With my three letter rating system I give this a MEH+. A good piece that just didn't quite hit the mark to thrill.

"Chinglish" performs at ArtsWest through March 29th. For tickets or information contact the ArtsWest box office at 206-938-0339 or visit them online at www.artswest.org.

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