Paper Dream

by Lyra Nalan

Set in 1930, Paper Dream follows the story of a former Chinese aristocrat attempting to bring her daughter to America but finding herself trapped in Angel Island Detention Center with a working-class mother and a young woman with a questionable past. Paper Dream offers a feminist interpretation of the American Dream through generational sacrifice, exploring the haunting and destructive force of prejudice.

Set in 1930, Paper Dream follows the story of a former Chinese aristocrat attempting to bring her daughter to America but finding herself trapped in Angel Island Detention Center with a working-class mother and a young woman with a questionable past. Paper Dream offers a feminist interpretation of the American Dream through generational sacrifice.

Set in 1930, Paper Dream follows the story of a former Chinese aristocrat attempting to bring her daughter to America but finding herself trapped in Angel Island Detention Center with a working-class mother and a young woman with a questionable past. Paper Dream offers a feminist interpretation of the American Dream through generational sacrifice.

  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

Paper Dream

Recommended by

  • Iyna Caruso: Paper Dream by Lyra Nalan
    “

    I had a chance to see a staged reading of Paper Dream. It’s an important period of little-known history and Nalan captures it in all its complexities. The characters are richly drawn and their struggles are universal. This is a play that deserves a wide audience.

    I had a chance to see a staged reading of Paper Dream. It’s an important period of little-known history and Nalan captures it in all its complexities. The characters are richly drawn and their struggles are universal. This is a play that deserves a wide audience.

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: Paper Dream by Lyra Nalan
    “

    A beautiful play filled with complex roles for women. An epic tale told so intimately.

    A beautiful play filled with complex roles for women. An epic tale told so intimately.

    ”
  • Josh Beadle: Paper Dream by Lyra Nalan
    “

    Set against the timedrop of '30s Angel Island, Paper Dream redefines the American Dream as something much more nuanced and difficult to achieve instead of the platitude we too frequently find. A beautiful and incredible story needed to be told across the country.

    Set against the timedrop of '30s Angel Island, Paper Dream redefines the American Dream as something much more nuanced and difficult to achieve instead of the platitude we too frequently find. A beautiful and incredible story needed to be told across the country.

    ”
View all 9 recommendations

Development History

  • Reading, Cherry Lane Theatre and Miranda Theatre (NYC), 2020
  • Reading, West Washington University, 2020
  • Reading, Silk Road Rising, 2019
  • Workshop, Chicago Three Cats Production, 2019
  • Reading, Brokenbell Read, 2019
  • Reading, Avant Bard Theatre, 2019

Awards