kim's convenience | jessie liang q&a

KIM'S CONVENIENCE has been our first time working with a number of performers, including Jessie Liang. In her final year at Studio 58, we wanted to give you a chance to get to know her a little better. Here is a Q&A with her about her relationship with Ins Choi's hilarious and touching story.

Audiences of the CBC show will have an idea of Kim's Convenience, how will the stage production distinguish itself from the TV show? 

I feel the story told on stage delves deeper into the matters of family, legacy, and sacrifice than the CBC show. Of course, the TV show is also important and hilarious, but I think we are accomplishing different things in these individual mediums. I believe playwright Ins Choi once described the story for the stage as being the soul of the series on TV, and I 100% agree.

What did you find most exciting about the character Janet? Are there traits you share? Are there differences? 

The most exciting aspect of Janet is how real she is. She is not a cute, clueless, or victimized woman - definitely not a "Manic pixie dream girl" type. Nor is she any other kind of cliché we typically see females of color commonly represented. Janet is grounded, determined, and smart. Just as much as she loves her family, they also often drive her up the wall, which makes her so darn relatable. Coming from an Asian family myself, I constantly found myself in a battle of wills. Performing what was expected of me and for the greater good of my family, but desperately wanting independence and the chance to pursue my dreams as an artist. So Janet and I are very similar in that aspect, although I do think she's more cheeky and clever, as well as stubborn and proud than I am!

Was there something about the process of getting the show on its feet that surprised you? 

Every show is a journey: with different stories, casts and crews come different challenges. What was unique about working on Kim's Convenience was how welcoming, patient, and generous every single person has been towards each other. From the first audition to the first read through, to these last rehearsals before opening, everyone has been incredibly supportive, respectful, and accommodating. Our director, Kaitlin Williams, is so gracious and thoughtful, she really created a safe space for us to explore the text, try new things (without letting us fly off the handle), and keep challenging us to go deeper every rehearsal to enrich the world and the lives of our characters. I can say with confidence that I feel spoiled. This will be a hard experience to top and I haven't even graduated theatre school yet!

What was the most challenging part of the show? 

I related so much to this play, the Kim family, and Janet that it was challenging for me to separate myself and my own history and experiences from what's going on in the show. My family immigrated from Taiwan to Brasil and the majority of my family were store owners, with hopes and dreams that my sister and I would become successful doctors or lawyers. There are almost too many parallels between my family and my personal life with Choi's play to count. So, both Kaitlin and Soran helped guide me in finding who Janet is and create a clear distinction between us.

What is the one thing you hope audiences take away from this play? 

I hope people are moved by the story as much as I was when I first read it. Whether they laugh or cry, I'd like people to take the story and it's themes home with them. And as a bonus, that they think about continuing to support the work of diverse and marginalized artists like the ones involved in this production of KC.

kim's convenience | theatre that matters

We've made a series of videos with this season's artists, sharing what matters to them about the plays they are working on. First up is Maki Yi, discussing KIM'S CONVENIENCE.

kim's convenience | photos

Here are some of the production photos for KIM'S CONVENIENCE!

All photos by Jalen Laine Photography, featuring the cast: Jimmy Yi, Jessie Liang, Tré Cotten, Maki Yi, and Lee Shorten. Set by Carolyn Rapanos. Props by Coralee Draginda. Costumes by Jessica Oostergo. Lighting by Jonathan Kim. Sound Design by Chengyan Boon.

kim's convenience | meet the crew

We had an incredibly talented group of artists creating the world of KIM'S CONVENIENCE. Here they are, along with the things they were most excited about with this show.

Kaitlin Williams - Director

"The story of this family is small, but the themes and struggles are universal. As is the hope. No matter what brokenness in which we may find ourselves, love is a force that calls forth restoration."

Jessica Oostergo - Costume Designer

"Working with a cast and design team that I have never worked with before, which includes artists from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds."

Soran Nakai - Assistant Director

"I love the way Ins Choi brings the rawness of intracultural conflicts to a place where many people of different backgrounds and ages find themselves nestled in. I am also excited about the way we will put on this show within the unique space at the Pacific Theatre."

Linnea Perry - Assistant Stage Manager

Linnea is a current apprentice at Pacific Theatre and is so excited to have Kim's Convenience as the start of the next chapter in her artistic career.

Chengyan Boon - Sound Designer (not pictured)

"It really, really hammers home the point that no matter what views and identities people have, people are people and can all be treated with kindness."

Carolyn Rapanos - Costume Designer

"I'm excited to be working on a Canadian play that examines the lives of an immigrant family with such effective heart & humour! And I'm always grateful to be a part of a creative, hard-working, collaborative team like this one!"

Maria Zarillo - Stage Manager

"I am excited to be a part of a show that is as big of a hit as this one. I love theatre that brings the work and stories of different backgrounds to the Canadian stage and I'm looking forward to the way this piece will look into PT's alley theatre."

Coralee Draginda - Props Manager

Coralee is happy to help tell this heartwarming family story.

Jonathan Kim - Lighting Designer

Jonathan thanks Ins Choi, Pacific Theatre, and the entire cast & crew for this dream come true project.

kim's convenience | responses

"Kaitlin Williams’ fabulous Pacific Theatre production of the hit play that gave rise to the successful CBC-TV comedy is gut-bustingly funny with a huge heart.”
- Jerry Wasserman, Vancouver Sun

“Easily the funniest show I’ve seen all year. [James] Yi’s confidence and comic timing drive the action."
- Darren Barefoot, The Georgia Straight

"Carolyn Rapanos’s set is perfect and perfectly particular. From the Ontario Lottery Gold decal above the door to the Toronto Now newspaper in the rack, it’s a remarkable re-creation of the familiar corner store."
- Darren Barefoot, The Georgia Straight

"This production succeeds in no small part to a stellar performance by James Yi as the central character, Mr. Kim.”
- John Jane, Review Vancouver

"As I bawled and laughed at the most inappropriate moments (being bilingual means you can understand dick jokes in two languages!) I saw other people in the audience shed a tear, laugh, and become invested in this family.”
- Jessica Kim, UBC Players Club

kim's convenience | opening night

What a fantastic opening weekend for KIM'S CONVENIENCE! Thank you to everyone who joined us and congratulations to the cast and crew for their victorious launch!

kim's convenience | meet the cast

We have an amazing cast for KIM'S CONVENIENCE! Here's a little more about them and how they connect with the story.

Jessie Liang - JANET: The similarities between my life and this play are endless, which makes this story so personal to me. Although I was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, my parent’s family immigrated to my home country over 40 years ago. My grandparents and their children were all business owners with hopes that all my cousins, my sister and I would someday become successful lawyers, doctors, or accountants. Much like Mr. Kim, my father sacrificed his own dreams to provide us with opportunities he never had himself. Lo and behold, my sister pursued music and I became an actress. All this to say that reading Choi’s script was like reading a play about my family, except it’s set in a different country and with a different ethnic background.

Lee Shorten - JUNG: It's a powerful play that explores family and culture, with humor and grace. Seriously, the ending still makes me cry. I'm always interested in telling inclusive stories and I'm excited to be working with our director, Kaitlin Williams.

James Yi - APPA: This show really makes me feel proud of my heritage but what excites me even more is that the theme of family and redemption resonates with people of all color and background.

Maki Yi - UMMA: Best combination - my favorite play at my favorite theatre!

Tré Cotten - VARIOUS: I’m exited to be working on this show because the story is so universal. Whether it be a convenience store, barbershop or coffee shop... we can all relate to it. There is a connection to family that speaks volumes, but it also addresses issues of businesses moving into a community and local businesses having to sacrifice because of that. The story gives a peak into the life of a family trying to keep there family traditions in tact while adjusting to the changing of times and settings. This is s shoe that speaks to the hope of families in a new country. I can relate to that as an African American because my culture is still in search of the roots that were once there before being brought to the United States. This show hits you in so many different areas and levels. Brave, brilliant and inclusive writing!

kim's convenience | first read

Yesterday was the first read of KIM'S CONVENIENCE by Ins Choi! It was the perfect way to begin our 2018-2019 season, sharing laughter and tears with friends old and new. Here are some pics from the reading.