A legacy-driven media platform documenting Korean excellence in culture, economy, and identity
By Andrew Lim, Playwright and Theater Director
"I hope this becomes a cultural column that anyone can easily read." This was the sole request made by the editorial manager with a particularly intellectual tone when proposing a cultural column for Mom & I.
Upon hearing this single request, I hesitated briefly, if only for a moment. The columns I intended to write were centered on performing arts, particularly theater, and the notion of making them easy to read was not immediately clear to me. Before accepting, I recalled articles I previously contributed in a review format here and there. These were generally written for audiences interested and knowledgeable in performing arts, such as those reading the Arts Council Korea’s webzine 'Arko' or the cultural sections of 'Newsro.' Due to the specific target readership, I often used technical terms or expressions understood by industry insiders without additional explanation. This seemingly simple request for something easy and enjoyable from Mom & I did not seem straightforward to me. The intention of Mom & I was clear: to provide cultural stories that could be easily understood and enjoyed by everyone.
After a few minutes of contemplation, a question arose within me: "Why must it be difficult?"
This self-inquiry questioned why writings on performing arts or theater had to be complex, making it difficult for the general public to understand. In fact, it also addressed the perception that the public typically holds toward culture and art—is it really that difficult?
The notion that art targets a trained audience is generally accepted as conventional wisdom, despite some differing views. Someone with no understanding of Picasso's work might not feel any particular emotion, but an appreciation would certainly differ if one understands the Cubist art movement. Suggesting that studying is necessary for art appreciation would only deviate further from Mom & I's goal of "simple and fun cultural narratives," potentially causing readers to suddenly feel weary.
Nonetheless, if you are reading this sentence, Mom & I should be grateful. A new reader was retained. I, too, extend my gratitude, as I now have hope for the columns to come.
Now, I would ask you to read on as I convey my actual intent.
Indeed, appreciating art requires study. Nonetheless, to achieve Mom & I's aim for "simple and fun cultural stories," it is my task to make the learning aspect enjoyable and simple.
New York is arguably the most advantageous place in the world for those who appreciate art. Over 50 plays premiere on Broadway daily. Including Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway performances, approximately 260 plays are held in New York City each day. Moreover, the seats at the Metropolitan Opera are almost always filled, and theaters dedicated to dance performances are present throughout New York City.
What about art? The Metropolitan Museum or MoMA (Museum of Modern Art), globally renowned exhibition halls, each draw over 7 million visitors annually. At these two venues, audio guides in various languages, including Korean, are available to assist viewers in appreciating exhibited works easily—a need that perhaps Mom & I perceived earlier.
Through the pages allotted, I aim to help readers savor the cultural treasures of living in New York even more. I plan to unfold cultural and artistic stories as enjoyably and accessibly as possible.
Initially, I intend to introduce one Broadway production at a time, guiding readers into a closer relationship with theater and musicals. Yes, "guiding" seems to be the right expression. A cultural guide to New York, which a friend—who has never seen a Broadway musical despite working as a wholesaler on Broadway for 20 years—should undoubtedly read, will be featured in Mom & I.
This column serves two purposes: first, to guide readers to desire and easily access performing arts, particularly theater, in the world-renowned arts hub that is New York. I hope you, dear readers, will discover a great joy of living in New York along with me—the joy of experiencing culture.
Andrew Lim (Andrew Lim)
Playwright, Theater Director, Critic, Freelance Contributor to Theater Company MAT
Graduate of Chung-Ang University and Chung-Ang University's Graduate School Department of Theater, NYU Graduate School majoring in Playwriting and Theater Directing.
