A legacy-driven media platform documenting Korean excellence in culture, economy, and identity
Andrew Lim, Playwright and Theater Director
In a previous issue, I recommended the Broadway musical School of Rock as a performance worth watching, citing it as an excellent example of the unique enjoyment that only theater can offer. This time, I wish to suggest something slightly different. Although you may or may not agree with the message of the play (musical), if you are confident in purely enjoying the entertainment, I assure you that Kinky Boots is worth seeing.
As you may know, the term "kinky" originally means "twisted" or "knotted," but it is more commonly used to describe something as "perverted." Nevertheless, referring to Kinky Boots as "Perverted Boots" would be inappropriate. The phrase has evolved into a proper noun for knee-high women's boots, reminiscent of those worn by Julia Roberts in the film Pretty Woman.
Whether due to origin or boot style, the word "kinky" carries an inherently provocative nuance, which does not require rebranding. Similarly, the musical Kinky Boots may appear provocative to the prudish viewer, as svelte actresses perform songs and dances in revealing outfits, more exposing than bikinis. The audience, particularly male members, may find themselves captivated by the overt allure of these performers. For those wishing to enjoy the musical while observing the actresses' physique and charm, this performance is recommended—bearing in mind that these actresses are, in fact, "drag queens."
The plot of Kinky Boots unfolds as follows. The protagonist, Charlie, inherits the "Price and Son" shoe company from his father. Once a large-scale manufacturer of gentlemen's shoes, the company struggles financially due to its refusal to embrace new styles or trends. While downsizing the staff, Charlie receives advice from an employee, Lauren, to explore new designs. Through Lauren, Charlie meets Lola and offers her a designer position, subsequently beginning the production of boots for drag queens, known as kinky boots. The ensuing narrative of conflict, separation, and reunion with Lola is omitted for brevity, as this article's core purpose is adequately captured within this introduction.
The theme presented in this musical is both candid and provocative: break free from stereotypes and prejudice—a message that is straightforward, progressive, and constructive. The plot depicts a company, disregarding the changing times and clinging to traditional shoe designs, finding a breakthrough through producing drag queen boots, boldly revealing its message. However, the narrative does not stop there. The writer effectively broadens the scope of challenging biases and stereotypes to include issues of homosexuality, using it symbolically to address discrimination. Just as one should avoid fixating on "gentleman’s shoes" without acknowledging the demands of modernity, human gender identity must also be newly perceived.
Kinky Boots delivers its resounding message with explicitness, sometimes provocatively and forcefully, yet with logic and persuasive power. Even those who oppose or repulse against homosexuality will find the arguments presented by Kinky Boots overwhelming. During the scene where Lola appears as a savior at the Milan fashion show, dazzling in kinky boots and performing a captivating dance, even skeptics of homosexuality likely found themselves mesmerized. I speak from personal experience.
A persuasive and vibrant confrontation against biases toward homosexuality, Kinky Boots exemplifies the powerful influence of theater as an art form with this potent message. Even if the author's standpoint is debatable or diverges from universal values, this performance proves the compelling persuasive power of drama.
Whether or not you concur with homosexuality, if you can immerse yourself in the unique enjoyment theater offers, I recommend the powerful musical Kinky Boots, which may win over even the opposers.
Andrew Lim
Playwright, Director, Critic, Freelance Writer
Resident Director, Theater Group MAT
Central University and Graduate School of Theater Studies
Graduate School of New York University, Major in Playwriting and Theater Directing
