Kim’s Convenience is an entertaining play that explores the dynamics of a family-run Korean Convenience store. More specifically, it looks at the relationships between Mr Kim (Choi Ins) and his family. Set in downtown Toronto, the play has “humour and heart in every aisle”. The key to that is Mr Kim, the store’s proud and hardworking owner. Mr Kim and his wife (‘Umma’ played by Manju Go) emigrated to Canada from Korea with their then young children in the hope of a better life. In so doing, we are told, the pair left behind a good teaching career, friends, and family. The timeline for the play begins a few decades later when an older Mr Kim is contemplating retirement and the uncertain fate of his store in the face of an ever-changing neighbourhood. We are also introduced to a man who is grappling with the growing rift between his values and those of his children – Janet (Jennifer Kim) & Jung (Brian Law).
There is so much love and human history in this story. It was wonderful to see the terse at times and estranged relations between the characters being exposed, explored and resolved as the play progresses. It also touches on a lot of emotions that run deep, and I felt teary a few times during the 80-minute performance. I laughed a lot too, mostly due to the perfectly delivered lines from a deadpan Mr Kim.
It’s probably worth noting some may think Mr Kim’s analysis of how he detects possible shoplifters as a bit problematic. They are at first, and he is suitably rebuked by his daughter about this. However, thankfully, when Mr Kim reaches his “cancel-out combos”, the audience (or at least this one did), realises he is trying to impart wisdom gained from his personal experiences of protecting his shop, rather than simply being, in Janet’s words, “awkwardly racist”. Although it’s true Mr Kim has his prejudices, or in his words, “survival skills”, he ultimately has no issue with his daughter’s choice of partner (Miles Mitchell – who also plays three other characters!). He also recounts tales of kindness in which customers joined hands to protect his store during a riot.
Aside from the set (which was I understand lovingly provisioned by New Malden’s own Korea foods), the best bit about this production was how it did justice to the unique standpoint of each character. There wasn’t a right or a wrong. Just different. They were all unique an equally understandable in his/her way. This makes the play one that is relatable to the audience, and something that can be enjoyed by everyone – regardless of whether or not you have personal experience of immigration or second-generation issues of diaspora. It is a human tale of understanding, and I thought it was brilliant. The standing ovation afforded at the end of the production was very much deserved – and a good indication of how well the play represents an issue that I’m delighted to see represented more often. I also loved that Mr Kim and Umma spoke to each other in Korean, giving me a chance to test out my Korean.
Choi Ins – the actor, playwright and screenwriter behind the production grew up in a similar environment as depicted in this play. Talking of this, he commented: “My family arrived in Canada in 1975 in search of freedom, with just two hundred dollars, three kids and a lot of hope. My father worked at my uncle’s convenience store by day and went to English speaking language classes by night while my mother took care of me and my two older sisters. This story is my love letter to my parents and to all first generation immigrants who have made the country they have settled in their home.”
Fun fact: Both the director (Esther Jun) and Choi Ins (the actor that played Mr Kim) have a long history and affection for the play, having been involved in it in some form for many years. Ins, for example, played Jung (Mr Kim’s son) in the original stage play. On playing the title character, Ins said: “I’m very much looking forward to returning to where it all began 12 years ago. It’s a wonderful journey and it feels great to have finally grown into this role. This play launched my career and continues to provide a great vehicle for Asian actors and shines an important light on representation.”
The production has been brought to the stage here in the UK for the first time by Adam Blanshay Productions and the performances run until 10 February 2024 at Park Theatre.
Bonus fact: The play, which has been running in Canada and the United States for a good number of years, has also recently been adapted to television and can be found on Netflix.