Accessible and Enjoyable Cultural Travel

By Andrew Lim, Playwright and Theatre Director

‘We hope this becomes a cultural column that everyone can easily read.’ This was the sole request made by the editor with a calm and logical tone when I was offered to write a cultural column by the Mom&Children editorial team.

Upon hearing this single requirement, I hesitated, albeit briefly, to accept the column proposal. I was uncertain about writing in a style that anyone could easily understand, especially when my writings focus on performing arts, particularly theater. I recalled the articles I had previously contributed to various platforms, largely in the format of reviews. These contributions were primarily aimed at readerships with an interest in the performing arts, such as the webzine ‘Arko’ and the ‘Newsro’ cultural section. These readers, familiar with printed booklets, expect specific terminologies or expressions commonly understood in the performance industry without further explanation. Perhaps this is why the seemingly simple request from Mom&Children to write ‘easily and interestingly’ did not sound simple to me. Mom&Children's intention was clear. They wanted to address culture in a way that is easy for everyone to understand and enjoy.

After a few moments of contemplation, one question arose in my mind: ‘Why should it be difficult?’

It made me question whether writings on performing arts or theater need to be complex to the point of alienating the general public. This query also touches on how the general public perceives culture and art: are they inherently difficult?

It is widely acknowledged that art targets a trained audience, despite some opposing views. One may not feel much when viewing Picasso's works without understanding them, but grasping the concept of Cubism could significantly alter one's perception. Suggesting that studying is necessary to appreciate art might diverge from Mom&Children's purpose of ‘easy and interesting cultural stories’, potentially exhausting the readers.

Nevertheless, if you are currently reading this sentence, Mom&Children should be grateful. They have averted losing a reader. I am also thankful, as hope begins to blossom for this column series.

Now, let me address what I truly wish to convey.

Indeed, studying is necessary for appreciating art. Yet, if we aim to craft ‘easy and fun cultural stories’ as desired by Mom&Children, we must present this study in an accessible and enjoyable manner. This is what I intend to do.

New York is arguably the most privileged place globally when it comes to art appreciation. Over 50 plays grace Broadway stages daily. Including Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway shows, around 260 plays are performed daily across New York City. Not only theater but also the Metropolitan Opera frequently fills its seats, and dance performances are even held in dedicated theaters scattered throughout New York City.

What about visual arts? Prominent galleries like the Metropolitan Museum and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) attract over seven million visitors annually. Speaking of museums, both offer receivers with explanations in various languages, including Korean, allowing visitors to easily appreciate the exhibits. It seems likely that these two global museums have already perceived the necessity of what Mom&Children aims to achieve.

Through this platform, my goal is to help you savor the rewards of living in New York, even just a bit more. I intend to unravel cultural and artistic stories as accessibly and entertainingly as possible.

I plan to introduce Broadway performances one by one and guide you closer to the world of plays and musicals. Yes, the term ‘guide’ seems fitting. Through Mom&Children, I want to offer a cultural guide to New York for my acquaintance who has never seen a Broadway musical despite wholesaling on Broadway for 20 years.

This column serves two purposes. First, to guide you in wishing and finding it easy to watch performing arts, specifically theater, in New York, the world's cultural epicenter. From now on, I hope you discover a great joy of living in New York with me. Enjoying culture, that is.

Andrew Lim (앤드류 임)

Playwright, Theatre Director, Critic, Freelance Columnist  
Resident Director, MAT Theatre Company  

Chung-Ang University and Graduate School of Theatre  
New York University, Graduate School of Playwriting and Theatre Directing