James Yi will never forget the moment he saw Kim’s Convenience on stage in Canada where he lives. “It changed my life. I was so moved by it, and I knew I needed to do this play,” he says.
And now here he is on an international stage, opening at OXFORD PLAYHOUSE from May 13-17, bringing the global Netflix hit to life once again in theatres across the UK.
‘When I was a kid people would ask if I was Chinese or Japanese and then add ‘well what are you then?’
If you haven’t come across it, Kim’s Convenience is a comedy which follows a Korean-Canadian family who run a corner shop while trying to negotiate Toronto’s cosmopolitan population. Think along the lines of The Royle Family mixed with The Kumars at No. 42 and you’re heading in the right direction.
“Hey, funny is funny wherever you are,” James tells us when we ask how the audiences differ over here. “But then Kim’s Convenience is so inclusive, and there is a real universality to the themes; the everyday struggles, the realities of life, our relationships. Everyone has a family and knows what it’s like to grow up, all of which is wrapped around humour.
“And while it has quite a racial profile, because it’s a comedy I think the audience finds it really refreshing to explore those issues within the safety of humour because the Kim family are immigrants themselves trying to find their way in the local community.
‘the audience finds it really refreshing to explore those issues within the safety of humour, because the Kim family are immigrants themselves trying to find their way in the local community’
“And Korean immigrant culture is stuck in 1973 when the first wave came over, so there are so many generational and cultural gaps to explore. But whether you are Korean or not, everyone can relate to it, which is why Kim’s Convenience is so enjoyable,” James adds.
“Take the patriarch Appa (played by James), he operates by his own code, which isn’t very politically correct, but that’s what makes his character redemptive because he adapts, changes and learns along the way, which makes him ultimately likeable.”
So how does the play differ from the Netflix series in which James also starred (he played Jimmy Young, a sexist car dealer, then Pastor)? “Well, because it’s got the same writer, they have the same humour, but then we have to fit it all into 75 minutes rather than five seasons, so the story is much more condensed and intense.
‘the play is very funny to begin with, but it gets quite emotional. You feel like you’ve been punched in the gut at times and there are tears’
“So while the play is very funny to begin with, it gets quite emotional. You feel like you’ve been punched in the gut at times and there are tears. That’s what makes Kim’s Convenience so special; it takes the audience through such a range of emotions which is wonderful to see.”
Being of Korean heritage himself, James is obviously delighted in the rise of Korean culture globally and happy to play a part in that: “When I was a kid people would ask if I was Chinese or Japanese and then add ‘well what are you then? so when I was younger it was more about racism. But now there are so many Korean dramas, films and stories out there that I’m very proud of my Korean heritage. I really feel that we’ve climbed that mountain.”
‘I love it here. It’s stunning and there are sheep everywhere’
And what does he make of the UK then? “This is my first time in Europe, and I love it here. It’s stunning and there are sheep everywhere. I love how protected and preserved the old buildings are and really respect that because in North American nothing is more than 200 years old. But the biggest factor is the audience, they inform the play with their energy that flows back and forth. We react to each other.”
Holding that together through a long tour must take resilience though? “It’s a real responsibility because it’s a big part. Put it this way, I do a lot of heavy lifting,” he chuckles. “But Appa is such a great character with so many layers and nuances in the way he interacts with the other characters which makes it so rewarding. Working with different actors keeps it fresh and keeps you on your toes.”
“Kim’s Convenience is one of those plays where you don’t have to be a theatre-goer to come and see it. Everyone will enjoy it because it’s so grounded in reality and so relatable, but it’s got heart.”
KIM’S CONVENIENCE is at OXFORD PLAYHOUSE on May 13-17. Book at www.oxfordplayhouse.com. Age Guideline: 14+
