As Andre Malraux once stated, “culture is the sum of all the forms of art, or love and of thought…” The world consists of a multitude of diverse and unique variations of culture, ethnicity, and race. As society continues to advance and ways of life become more complex, people get pulled into cultures that interest them the most. In today’s time, anybody can be anyone if someone feels connected to a certain culture or religion. One does not need to be born into a certain culture but rather find comfort and acceptance surrounded by people who have similar ideologies. David Henry Hwang, a famous playwright, adds on how our genes or race no longer dictate how we decide to live out our lives.

In the artistic realm, multiculturalism has influenced the way famous playwrights and producers create their masterpieces. In order to perfectly portray a particular culture or type of person, numerous plays hone in on aesthetics and representation. For example, an Irish play such as Dancing At Lughnasa, relies on the original Irish cast to manufacture a pristine and flawless performance for the world to see. When replaced by American actors, the beauty and essence of the piece of art is tainted and lost. Such changes can cause cultural misinterpretations and confusion.

In David Henry Hwang’s play, “Chinglish”, translations of mistranslations of an American businessman seeking success in China are creatively portrayed. The work of art centers on common cultural misinterpretations and the obstacles faced when one doesn’t speak the language of a foreign place. In his play, Hwang hopes to portray the misunderstandings between ethnicities and the importance of bringing the American and Chinese cultures together. Through plays, musicals, and other works of art, race, ethnicity and culture are interpreted or misinterpreted in various ways. But with a simple knowledge base and understanding, society can become more well-rounded and multifaceted.