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.