Ins Choi, the acclaimed playwright behind the celebrated play Kim’s Convenience, is set to share his personal journey through a new autobiographical stage production titled Son of a Preacherman. The show, which will embark on a tour this autumn, showcases Choi’s experiences growing up in a family steeped in religious tradition and his eventual transformation into a prolific artist.
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The cover of the published script for Son of a Preacherman, revealed exclusively by PEOPLE, is due to be released by House of Anansi Press on September 1. This publication will coincide with the tour, allowing audiences to engage with Choi’s narrative both on the stage and the page.
Choi’s upbringing in a family of preachers profoundly shaped his life. His father, grandfather, and uncle were all pastors, establishing a strong legacy within the church. Having earned a Master’s degree in Theological Studies, Choi was poised to follow in their footsteps. However, as he explained, the twists of life led him down a different path. “My dad was a pastor, so was my grandfather and my uncle, as well as many cousins. I was meant to continue this tradition,” he shared. “But life’s funny, and it turned out I was destined for another holy calling — the arts.”
Son of a Preacherman blends elements of stand-up, concert, and theatrical storytelling, featuring a rich tapestry of narratives, poems, and songs. Choi describes the production as a reflection of his struggles in carving out his own identity and path, infusing the work with the warmth and humour for which he is known. “It’s also reflective of my Christian faith tradition — what I’ve inherited and what I’ve had to figure out, all seasoned with humour and heart,” he noted.
The script delves into more than just Choi’s decision to pursue the arts; it also touches upon the impact of historical events such as his father’s experiences in the Korean War. Furthermore, Choi recounts finding inspiration in notable figures such as environmentalist David Suzuki and martial artist Bruce Lee, who served as influential Asian male role models during his formative years.
The narrative is one of both personal and cultural exploration, as Choi seeks to connect his individual story with a broader history. “Whenever I’d hear stories about my dad or my grandfather, I was always intrigued,” he remarked. As a child, he realised that these familial narratives would, in time, contribute to his own story: “It meant I would have a story too one day that stemmed from theirs — a continuation of their story.”
Choi’s previous work, Kim’s Convenience, has received widespread acclaim since its debut in 2011 and has since been adapted into a successful television series. The play offers a humorous yet poignant window into the life of a Korean-Canadian family running a convenience store in Toronto, capturing diverse cultural experiences. The recent North American tour of Kim’s Convenience concluded in San Diego on June 14, further solidifying Choi’s reputation as a leading voice in contemporary theatre.
With the upcoming release of Son of a Preacherman, audiences can expect to engage with Choi’s signature blend of storytelling that resonates with both humour and pathos. As he prepares to take the stage in this new venture, Choi remains committed to shedding light on the intersection of cultural identity, faith, and artistic expression.
As anticipation builds for the premiere of Son of a Preacherman, the script is already available for preorder at various retailers, offering readers a chance to immerse themselves in Choi’s unique perspective. The touring production promises to reach a wide audience, inviting them to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of carving one’s path in life.
In sum, Ins Choi’s Son of a Preacherman is not just a personal account but a celebration of resilience and the pursuit of passion amidst expectations. It beckons audiences to consider the narratives that shape their identities and the stories that continue to unfold across generations.