Esther Jun directs the UK Premiere of the award-winning original stage play Kim’s Convenience which spawned the beloved hit Netflix sitcom of the same name.
Written by leading playwright, screenwriter and actor Ins Choi, the comedy drama follows the hilarious and heart-warming tale of a Korean family-run convenience store.
First staged at the Toronto Fringe Festival in 2011, this ground-breaking play won many plaudits for its East Asian representation and its rare foregrounding of their characters.
This brand-new production at Park Theatre in Park200, will be the first time the play has been seen by audiences outside of Canada and the US.
In a full circle moment, Ins (who played Mr Kim’s son in the original stage play) will star as Mr Kim (Appa) the proud, hardworking patriarch of the family who grapples with his changing neighbourhood and the growing schism between his first-generation immigrant values and those of his second-generation children.
Esther Jun, who also has a long history with the play, having been cast in the original, returns this time to direct the five strong cast which for the UK production also includes Namju Go, Jennifer Kim, Brian Law and Miles Mitchell.
You’re directing Kim’s Convenience when it comes to Park Theatre, what can you tell us about the play?
Kim’s Convenience is an epic day in the life story of a convenience store owner in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. When Mr. Kim (Appa), is made an offer he can barely refuse, Appa must reckon with his past and future, while in the present dealing with shoplifters, a headstrong daughter and a constantly changing city.
After its original run it went on to become a Netflix sitcom, were you surprised by the way audiences of stage and screen took it to their hearts?
Not really. Kim’s is really funny and full of heart. That’s a winning combo. Plus, it’s about a working class immigrant family. That’s still a refreshing thing to see.
And you actually performed in the original, what’s it like to be coming back to it as director?
Well, first off I am much happier on this side of the table. Kim’s is very near and dear to my heart and it means so much to me to be able to bring the whole story to life as a director. I think I am the first Korean Canadian to direct the show and while I had great directors when I acted in it, there is something special for me to be able to bring something so personal to the stage and I think audiences react to that.
Any good director can direct this play, but I think for Korean audiences there are tiny cultural things, a slightly more authentic flavor that I can season this play with.
You’re not the only original cast member returning in a different role, what can you tell us about that?
Ins Choi, the writer and creator of Kim’s, also played my brother, the original Jung. I was so thrilled when he asked me to direct him. Ins is a great actor- truly fantastic, but he took a break from acting to showrun the TV show. So I am excited that he is coming back to the stage and that I could be a part of that. After so much time away, we are both older, wiser and have kids. It’s been such a gift to revisit something with new eyes and dig in together. Nothing has really changed script wise, but we both have a deeper understanding of things.
This is the first time the stage version will be seen outside of the US and Canada, what are you looking forward to most about bringing it to London?
Kim’s has been a huge success everywhere it has played so I’m excited to see if we can keep that ball rolling. I think the secret to Kim’s is in its simplicity. Yes, we take an honest look at racism, gentrification and immigrant families, but at its core Kim’s is just a deeply loving look at family. It’s about kids growing up, parents letting go and what is the legacy we want to leave in the world. Universal humanity + lots of laughs= successful play globally? fingers crossed…
What do you think will be the biggest challenge for you as a director with this play?
This is the 3rd time I have directed it and I suppose keeping it fresh and not repeating myself. But already in the room, having an entirely new creative team and cast, we have discovered new things and I am excited. Also, The Park Theatre is a thrust stage, which this show has never been on. It’s a small intimate venue and has a more immersive quality. That’s challenging but I am so looking forward to it!
What would you say to anyone thinking of booking to see Kim’s Convenience?
Book now! This show is the perfect cure for the January blahs. It’s fast and furious, hilarious and heart warming. See how the TV show started (yes we were first)!
Kim’s Convenience is at Park Theatre 8 January to 10 February 2024.
