Meaning: The quote you provided is a snippet of dialogue from the character Sportin' Life in the 1959 film adaptation of the opera "Porgy and Bess." The character is defending the authenticity and cultural significance of the work, "Porgy and Bess," composed by George Gershwin. The line reflects the sentiment that the original work should be preserved and respected without unnecessary alterations. The mention of the European company and the lack of understanding of the term "Porgy" alludes to the challenges of translating and interpreting cultural works across different regions and languages.

"Porgy and Bess" is an opera with music by George Gershwin, a libretto by DuBose Heyward, and lyrics by Ira Gershwin and DuBose Heyward. It was first performed in 1935 and is considered a seminal work in American musical theater. The opera is set in the fictional African American neighborhood of Catfish Row in Charleston, South Carolina, and tells the story of the crippled beggar Porgy and his attempts to rescue Bess from the clutches of her abusive lover, Crown, and the drug dealer, Sportin' Life. The opera addresses themes of poverty, love, and redemption, and features a blend of jazz, blues, and spirituals in its music.

The quote you provided captures the essence of the ongoing debate around the preservation and adaptation of cultural works. It reflects the sentiment that works of art, especially those with deep cultural and historical significance, should be respected in their original form without unnecessary alterations or reinterpretations. This sentiment is particularly relevant in the context of "Porgy and Bess," as the opera has been the subject of much discussion and controversy regarding its portrayal of African American characters and culture.

Sportin' Life's defense of George's writing and his question, "Why change it?" speaks to the idea that the original work, as created by George Gershwin, should be honored and upheld without modification. This perspective aligns with the concept of artistic integrity and the importance of preserving the cultural authenticity of a piece of art. It also raises questions about the responsibilities and challenges of adapting and translating works across different cultural and linguistic contexts, as evidenced by the mention of the European company's lack of understanding of the term "Porgy."

The reference to the European company's confusion about "Porgy" highlights the difficulties that may arise when attempting to convey the nuances and cultural specificities of a work to a different audience. It underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity and understanding in the presentation and interpretation of artistic works, especially those rooted in specific cultural contexts.

In conclusion, the quote you provided encapsulates the ongoing dialogue surrounding the preservation and interpretation of cultural works, particularly in the context of the opera "Porgy and Bess." It emphasizes the importance of respecting the original creations of artists and the challenges of conveying cultural authenticity across different regions and languages. The quote serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in the presentation and preservation of cultural works and the ongoing discussions about artistic integrity and cultural understanding.