Riverside Studios
Playing until 24th September 2024
Photo credit: Danny Kaan
Review {AD-PR Gifted}
Kim's Convenience follows the story of Mr Kim (Ins Choi), who is a proud but stubborn owner of a convenience store located in Toronto. The play takes place within the the store as Mr Kim, "Appa", navigates through generational and cultural clashes with his daughter Janet (Jennifer Kim) and son Jung (Edward Wu), who have taken drastically different paths in life. The play offers a comedic yet heartfelt exploration of the immigrant experience, family dynamics, and cultural identity.
The tone is set early in the play, the dynamic between Mr Kim and Janet is both playful and tense, as Appa struggles to reconcile his traditional Korean values with Janet’s desire for independence. The dialogue is witty and there are a number of laugh-out-loud moments that keep the pace light and engaging. As the narrative progresses, deeper issues of generational trauma and unresolved familial conflict come to the surface.
The performances were excellent, particularly from Ins Choi, who brought continuous energy and comedy to the role of Appa. His mannerisms were endearing to watch and provided depth to his character. Equally compelling was Jennifer Kim as Janet, balancing her character's frustrations with tenderness toward her father - making her all the more relatable to the audience.
One of the standout elements of the production was the use of space. The set design by Mona Camille brings a fully stocked corner store to life, adding authenticity to the narrative. The convenience store felt lived-in and comforting, with shelves stacked with products and neon signs hanging outside. The simplicity of the set allows the characters’ emotional journeys to take centre stage, whilst providing a realistic backdrop that leaves audience members searching the shelves for familiar items.
While Kim's Convenience doesn’t stray too far from its sitcom roots, the play’s exploration of identity, cultural heritage, and family expectations resonates deeply. The balance between humour and heartfelt moments, coupled with its strong performances, makes this an entertaining and thought-provoking experience.
Creatives
Writer: Ins Choi
Director: Esther Jun
Set and Costume Design: Mona Camille
Lighting Design: Jonathan Chan
Producer: Adam Blanshay Productions
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