From Audience to Appa

In the summer of 2011, I had just booked my first guest star role on a series filming in Toronto. I was ecstatic to finally land my first significant role and was basking in the joy of being on set for a whole week. But my highlight of that week ended up being something entirely different. I kept hearing about a play that was taking the Toronto Fringe Festival by storm. It was Kim’s Convenience.

'From the moment it began, I was moved'

I managed to squeeze in on closing night and had no idea what to expect. From the moment it began, I was moved - from laughter to tears and an overwhelming sense with pride to see a story so close to my own. I felt so seen and represented as an ethnic actor.

'I feel incredibly blessed and
fortunate to play this iconic role'

As I watched the play, I knew that I would one day play Appa. It was one of those rare moments where fate or destiny whispered to me that this was my future. Now, fourteen years later and going into my tenth production of this amazing play, I feel incredibly blessed and fortunate to play this iconic role. I love that this play can surprise people with deeper human struggles beyond the humour.

To see this play being received so well in the UK confirms that it resonates with all audiences because of its universal themes of family, forgiveness and reconciliation. And now to be touring the UK and coming to the legendary Rose Theatre’s stage blows me away. I am inspired by Ins Choi because he really broke through for Asians in this industry with this play. He has opened a lot of doors for me and many other Asian actors and Kim’s Convenience continues to reach new audiences every year.

I can’t wait for audiences to see Kim’s Convenience at the Rose Theatre!

By James Yi
Photo by Mai Tilson
Design by Studio Doug

First published in February 2025