Children should feel discomfort experiencing 'hatred' through theater
A children's playwright emphasizes the importance of presenting themes of discrimination and hate in a way that encourages children to reflect and ask questions rather than simply teaching them lessons.
Kim Jung-young, a playwright and theater educator, raises concerns about how children are often viewed merely as subjects to be taught, stating that children, like adults, have their own emotions, desires, and thoughts. He recently published his second playbook, 'I AM Nose Hair,' which tackles the heavy theme of 'hatred' from a child's perspective through the story of a school janitor. Rather than delivering a moral lesson upfront, the play is designed to engage children and encourage them to question and feel uncomfortable about the situations depicted.
Kim teaches theater classes in elementary and middle schools, emphasizing that the art form is not just a form of mimicry but a way for children to articulate their understanding of the world through their own bodies and language. He explains that the process involves reading scripts and exploring characters and situations, allowing children to express their stories regardless of the medium, whether through performance or reading.
He observes a shift in how hatred manifests in schools, noting that discrimination is increasingly embedded in language and attitudes rather than through overt violence or bullying. In an environment where multi-cultural students are often teased for their language or appearance, Kim highlights the importance of theater as a platform for children to share their experiences and explore uncomfortable topics that reflect their realities.