Kevin Kwan, known for writing the popular novel Crazy Rich Asians, will take the stage at Irvine Barclay Theatre on Thursday, February 6. Kwan will discuss a variety of topics, including the expansion of diversity in different industries, the cultural impact of his novels and how he chooses his creativity. 

The discussion is part of the theater’s Fresh Take Speaker Series, which features a variety of speakers, authors and thought leaders sharing their work. Kwan’s novel became a cultural phenomenon, topping best-seller lists worldwide and continuing with two sequels and a hit movie. The story revolves around three rich Chinese families and the hysterical drama that follows.

Kevin Kwan (Jami Tarris)

In 2018, Kwan spoke to NPR about growing up in Singapore and his own family’s wealth. While his life wasn’t quite the same as the story in his book, he still feels like he was born into something similar. “By comparison, I think I led a privileged, lucky life but it wasn’t as extreme as what would be depicted in the movies. It’s something that’s extremely hard to articulate. I think you’ve been trained almost from birth that this is something to never be talked about,” Kwan said.

The film Crazy Rich Asians earned two Golden Globe nominations for Best Motion Picture — Comedy or Musical and Best Performance by an Actress in a Comedy or Musical (Constance Wu). Despite the film’s praise from the entertainment industry, it still received some backlash for casting Henry Golding as Nick Young because the actor is half-Asian and half-Caucasion. Kwan was aware that people would be dissatisfied with this choice especially with discussions about people from other cultures being underrepresented in America. “People are so invested in every aspect of this being perfect and being right. Unfortunately, this movie cannot be everything for everyone,” Kwan said. “And I see and I feel the pain and I completely understand the arguments that people were trying to make, but it’s ironic that these people are demanding sort of blood purity in a way — that if he’s not 100 percent Chinese, he’s not qualified to play the role of Nicholas Young — when really Nicholas Young himself as the character isn’t 100 percent Chinese.”

The film made cinematic history as the first romantic comedy from a major Hollywood studio to star two Asian actors. It was also the first Hollywood studio film in 26 years to have an all-Asian cast.

Kwan’s discussion at Irvine Barclay Theater will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on the Barclay.org for $48-$110.

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