Nina from Our Town goes to NYC
Presented by Korean Cultural Center New York
Performance Dates & Time:
Friday, June 20, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Saturday, June 21, 2025, 3:00 PM (Q&A session to follow)
Saturday, June 21, 2025, 7:30 PM
Korean Cultural Center New York
(122 E 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016)
Tickets: FREE (Pre-registration is Required)
* RSVP and seating are on a first-come, first-served basis.
* Limited same-day standby tickets available.
* Performance dates and time subject to change.
A Korean actress moves to NYC with big dreams,
but underneath her enviable American life lies a dark side she must overcome.
▲ Synopsis
A Korean actress moves to New York City with big dreams of making it in America. It feels like she's leading an enviable life, but underneath the seemingly glamorous, free and happy American life lies the dark side of language barriers and racism…
How will Nina find her way through?
▲ Writer Hyojin Park’s Notes
As a Korean, my nationality and race was the majority in Korea, but in the U.S., I was a minority. Even though we exist just as we are, we are living in a world where we become the majority in one place and a minority in another.
No one wakes up in the morning saying, "Well who should I discriminate against today?" But I realized that we all, at some point, are consciously or unconsciously discriminated against—and vice versa.
No one is safe from discrimination, and if we don't actively question and try to eliminate the forces of prejudice and bias that lead to it, we ourselves, or the people we care about can always be subject to discrimination.
This is the question I wish to share with the audience.
Learn more about Writer/Actor Hyojin Park: www.iamhyojinpark.com
▲ Director Paul Pryce’s Notes
We follow Nina, a wide-eyed actress seeking creative freedom in America.
We understand the trials she has faced in Korea and we empathize with the deep transformation she undergoes during her time abroad.
As with all journeys, the road is never without obstacles and often more an opportunity to learn life's most meaningful lessons.
This play is a window into the immigrant experience in the United States.
Together with the main character, the audience will navigate issues of race, identity, and discrimination but also discover the joys of sincere friendships, meaningful community, and a newfound sense of courage.
"Nina from Our Town goes to New York" challenges what it means to pursue happiness abroad and the price one must pay to attain the American Dream.
Learn more about Director Paul Pryce: www.paulpryce.com
▲ Creative Team
Written and Performed by: Hyojin Park
Directed by: Paul Pryce
Translation: Estelle Lee, Hyojin Park
Assistant Director: Hyeji Lee
Singing Coach: Jinwoo Jung
Dance Choreographer: Jooyun Yoo
Lighting Design: Oliver Wason
Projection Design: Michi Zaya
Music and Sound Design: Hansic Kong
Costume Design/Props: KJ Kim
Sound: Grace Seo
Marketing: Becky
Merchandise and Nina Character Design: Minjeong Kim
Graphic Design: Soomin Kim
Produced by: New York Acting Studio Seoul
▲ New York Acting Studio Seoul
New York Acting Studio Seoul was founded in 2020 with a core belief in respecting and celebrating stories of diversity and inclusion.
New York Acting Studio Seoul aims to create a space where people from various backgrounds, identities, and experiences can come together, listen to each other’s stories, and share empathy and solidarity on stage.
Through the stories we tell, New York Acting Studio Seoul hopes to make the world a little warmer and more compassionate.
▲ Reviews from the Audience
A play where the actor’s passionate performance truly shines. It makes you laugh and cry. A one-person show that fills the entire stage with presence. It felt like Nina, who’s lived so earnestly, was telling me, “Thank you for giving life your all.”
qkrtjd***
Watching someone’s life unfold on stage brought me comfort. How can I empathize this much with a story that isn’t even mine? As I watched Nina’s gentle but fierce struggle, I kept nodding—as if it were my own story. This show made me smile, tear up, and laugh throughout. Thank you for creating such a beautiful show.
his**
What a stunning performance . “Nina from Our Town goes to NYC” an absolutely brilliant piece. It felt like being gifted an unforgettable day. I came away with positivity and energy for life.
tell***
Empathy, comfort, encouragement. Not only did I feel for Hyojin Park on stage, but I felt seen and supported myself.
tnwls***
A sincere story, a powerful message, with both humor and heart. Couldn’t help watching it again and again! It’s a shame it only runs until October 11. The 100 minutes flew by while walking alongside Nina. It’s a show you’d want to watch with parents, friends, or your partner. Hyojin Park’s boundless energy radiates through the entire performance. Just like the strength shown on the poster. I also love that it ends with a wave of emotion.
coffee***
The only play I’ve watched twice. I saw it first in Korean in September, then again in English in October out of curiosity. It resonated even more the second time— a deeply immersive performance I’d gladly watch again! Nina’s story, as both writer and actor, was fascinating on its own— but the direction was phenomenal. The way she led the entire 100 minutes solo with passion and brilliant acting, deserved every bit of admiration and applause.
Seta0***
My dad laughed and cried 😭 I went with my dad, who's in his 60s— his first time seeing a play! I was curious how he’d react...but he was cracking up one moment, and tearing up the next. Seeing him enjoy it so much made me even happier 😊
gogoom***