Back after its sell-out run at the Park Theatre earlier this year, Kim's Convenience plays at the Riverside Studios.
The award-winning play inspired by a Netflix series with the same name, I got to speak to one of the shows stars Edward Wu about this "hilarious and heart-warming" show.
Could you tell us what 'Kim's Convenience' is about?
Kim's Convenience is a story about a Korean immigrant family navigating life in Canada. It explores the relationships between adult children and their aging parents, while everyone tries to find a balance between Korean and Canadian cultures. The show delves into the immigrant experience, capturing it in a way that's authentic, raw, and incredibly funny.
You play the character of 'Jung' how would you describe your character, and how do you think you're making the character your own?
Jung is the black sheep of the Kim family. He left home at 16 and is now trying to find his place in the world and figure out what happiness means to him. I'm making Jung my own by drawing on my personal experiences as a child of immigrants and my own journey of self-discovery. I'm bringing a raw intensity to Jung, exploring the darker corners of his psyche and the weight of his past. There's a gravity to my portrayal that comes from my own life experiences and understanding of the struggles of straddling two cultures.
How would you describe your first reaction when you read the script for the first time? And did you see the previous run of the play or the TV inspired adaptation?
When I first read the script, Jung's story really resonated with me. I was struck by how authentically it captured the immigrant experience and the universal struggle of wanting to forge your own path while still honouring your roots. I had actually watched the TV adaptation before, as my sister Eliza got me into it. However, I quickly realized that the stage version we're creating is quite different from the TV show, offering a new lens to view these well loved characters.
Who do you think should come and see the show? And what do you think the key takeaways will be for the audience?
I think anyone interested in stories about family dynamics, cultural identity, and the immigrant experience should come see the show. It's particularly relatable for those from immigrant backgrounds, but the themes are universal. Key takeaways will likely be a deeper understanding of the challenges and joys of navigating multiple cultures, the complexities of family relationships, and the journey of self-discovery. Plus, audiences can expect a lot of laughs along the way!
How did your love of theatre come about? And was there anything in particular that made you want to perform on stage?
I've been performing in some shape or form since I was 6, participating in choirs, school musicals, plays, and even speech and debate. There was always a performative element during my upbringing. What really drew me to stage performance is the immediacy and energy you can only get from live theatre. The ability to go through an emotional journey every night and connect directly with the audience is incredibly appealing to me.
You have done both theatre and TV, do you have a preference? And do you have any advice for young performers trying to get into the industry?
While I appreciate both mediums, there's a special energy to live theatre that I find exhilarating. As for advice, I'd say to young performers: stay curious, keep pushing your boundaries, and don't be afraid to draw from your own experiences. Also, take care of your physical and mental health - this industry can be demanding, so it's crucial to stay fit both physically and mentally.
The play focuses around a Korean family, but also celebrates diverse communities. How important is this to you and the whole industry right now?
This diversity is incredibly important to me and to the industry as a whole. As someone who grew up in a Chinese immigrant household in America, I understand the value of seeing authentic representations of diverse experiences on stage and screen. It's crucial that we continue to tell stories that reflect the rich tapestry of our communities, helping audiences connect with different perspectives and fostering greater understanding.
Do you or any of the cast have any pre-show rituals yet?
Playing Jung is like running an emotional marathon every night. You've got to be physically and mentally fit to cross that finish line, so I focus heavily on keeping my body in good shape, especially my spine. I do this whole mobility routine, working from my hips all the way up to my neck. It keeps me flexible for Jung's emotional scenes and helps me stay grounded for the entire run. Mentally, I spend time before each show reconnecting with Jung's backstory and motivations. It’s all about using the physical to inspires the emotional and vice versa.
What would you say is your favourite part of the show?
My favourite part of the show is the opportunity to explore Jung's complex journey every night. There's something powerful about diving into the character's struggles, his search for identity, and his attempts to reconcile with his past. I also love the energy we create as a cast, pushing each other to dig deeper into our characters and find new layers in their relationships.
Describe the show in one sentence or three words.
In one sentence: Kim's Convenience is a heartfelt and authentic exploration of the modern immigrant family.
'Kim's Convenience' plays at the riverside studios until Saturday 26th of October book your tickets follow the link below.
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