Kimchee and Chitlins: A Serious Comedy about Getting Along

by Elizabeth Wong

Paperback

About the author

Elizabeth Wong (born June 6, 1958 in Los Angeles, California) is an award-winning[2] contemporary American playwright, television writer, librettist, theatrical director,[4][5] college professor, social essayist,[6] and a writer of plays for young audiences.

Reviews

[Caitlin Conlon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this for my Comparative Ethnic Literature class - I don't know how to explain this other than this was exhausting to read.

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know that others may have mixed opinions on this work, but I actually really, really enjoyed the play. It tackles a very contentious issue in a nuanced and complicated way, and I have grown to appreciate the inclusion of the different perspectives expressed. It's very politically informed. The subject is handled better here than in Kim's Convenience, in my opinion.

Notably, it's not about the LA uprising but rather the boycotts in Brooklyn.

I like how the media plays a role in sowing conflict, and how the mediation session does not lead to a nice, clean resolution. I like how power structures are talked about, as well as the realities of economic discrimination in Black neighborhoods.

The play is also really creative—with framing of the news broadcasting station and the visual (and in a live performance, audio) representation of the two choirs.

[Celine · Rating 2 out of 5]

While i can appreciate the history she is trying to depict and commentary provided, there were better ways to go about it and simply labeling it as "satirical" does not make it exempt from also being harmful