Earn a few pointers about starting business in China by investing some time and money to watch the play Ch’inglish, by David Henry Hwang! Hwang creatively fabricates a story of an American businessman venturing to expand his company to Guiyang, China. Leigh Silverman successfully directs Ch’inglish, with the help of the actors and cast behind the scenes, to humorously portray the importance relationships have in China, especially in business.
Lead actor Gary Wilmes starts off the play with a monologue about China’s rapid development. He takes this time to mold into his character, Daniel Cavanaugh. His directness with the audience sets an interactive mood, misleading me to think that he was a narrator of the play. His laidback joking attitude fits into the comedic atmosphere he creates as he explains language’s effect on China’s growth, proving his point with the help of Jeff Sugg and Shawn Duan’s projection of mistranslated Chinese signs ranging from bathroom signs to navigational signs, causing an eruption of laughter. However, his demeanor swiftly changes when the curtains rise signaling the beginning of his story.
Throughout Ch’inglish, Wilmes never loses character as an American with no knowledge of Chinese culture or language. Even though he would have understood the Chinese being spoken from countless rehearsals, he keeps me captivated the whole time. His hand motions convey his frustration of the language barrier, while his strained voice illustrates confusion, with hints of angst and love. Wilmes sets a pace for himself according to his character, but manages to flow along with the other actors.
Cavanaugh’s business consultant and translator for Cavanaugh, Peter Timms, played by Stephen Pucci surprises me as he suddenly speaks Chinese. His acting runs smoothly, blending in with Chinese culture that is advised by Joanna C. Lee and Ken Smith. Pucci’s Mandarin Chinese streams out of him like it’s his first language. He explains the importance of “Guan Xi” to Daniel, attempting to illustrate his knowledge of business in China. He manages to conjure up a deal with Cavanaugh to become his business consultant. Timms holds an aura of mischief as he translates some parts of business discussions for Cavanaugh, holding back other information to him. However, Candace Chong’s translations on a subtitle screen provide the audience with all the information of what is happening. This provides dramatic irony, as the audience understands what is going on yet some of the characters do not, giving a humorous effect.
With Pucci’s character, we are able to identify the importance of relationship in China. He pushes the story into motion by arranging for business meetings to get Cavanaugh into the business industry. He helps him enter business with Minister Cai Guoliang, played by Larry Lei Zhang. Timms education of Mandarin Chinese leaves Cavanaugh clueless more than half the time during the meetings, generating laughter from viewers. Nonetheless, the mystery behind Minister Zhang and Timms becomes the base of relationships between a potential business partnership, bringing together the entire play.
Jennifer Lim does a wonderful job playing Xi Yan, a strict businesswoman, yet something more. Xi Yan leads a double life that illustrates the extent relationship plays in China. Lim’s emotions are spot on, being stoic, yet melting into freedom during her stress relievers. Her sharp Chinese tone displays her authority, blending well with her character. Xi Yan becomes Daniel Cavanaugh’s fairy godmother in a way as she helps him overcome his obstacle, which is not language, but his relationship with Minister Zhang. Lim does an excellent job conforming to her Asian ethnicity, providing the audience insight on Chinese culture and affiliations between people and reputation.
Even with the entire cast’s fantastic acting, the whole production would not have been as engaging as it were without the set by David Korins. Korins provides simple, clean simplicity of the sets hold hints of China. He sets the scene that makes you feel you have entered China, first with the Chinese restaurant and then with the simple, neat business room furnished with a painting demonstrating Chinese brush strokes. The simplicity of the set allows the audience to concentrate on the actors, while still taking note of the scene it takes place in.
The extent relationship plays in China and one’s understanding illustrate the importance of reputation and affiliation as well. Ranks and names are brought out to the open and manipulated to bend in favor of Cavanaugh, as well as other characters. To unravel the mysteries behind business in China, I suggest you see it first hand before flying half way across the world!
