Chuan & Mom

by Lyra Nalan

In near-future Manhattan, a struggling Chinese immigrant finds hope in building a better life while caring for his mentally ill mother, thanks to a therapist who understands his language and culture, until he realizes she’s not what she seems. As his world begins to unravel, he must confront the question: does true healing mean breaking away or holding on?

In near-future Manhattan, a struggling Chinese immigrant finds hope in building a better life while caring for his mentally ill mother, thanks to a therapist who understands his language and culture, until he realizes she’s not what she seems. As his world begins to unravel, he must confront the question: does true healing mean breaking away or holding on?

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Chuan & Mom

Recommended by

  • Emma Bilderback: Chuan & Mom by Lyra Nalan
    “

    If you want narratives about breaking cyclical trauma with a touch of Alex Garland's "Ex Machina" but with a happier ending--Lyra has crafted an incredible narrative for you.

    If you want narratives about breaking cyclical trauma with a touch of Alex Garland's "Ex Machina" but with a happier ending--Lyra has crafted an incredible narrative for you.

    ”
  • Aly Kantor: Chuan & Mom by Lyra Nalan
    “

    In a world in which "therapy speak" is a dialect, and AI is replacing skilled labor, it makes sense to imagine a future in which tech companies harness AI to offer low cost therapy... but the brilliance of this play is that it considers transference as a factor. I love that the piece explores training AI as a labor and exploitation issue, which is what so many narratives miss. The characters are specific, and humanity is always at the center of the story. Dark, melancholy, thought-provoking!

    In a world in which "therapy speak" is a dialect, and AI is replacing skilled labor, it makes sense to imagine a future in which tech companies harness AI to offer low cost therapy... but the brilliance of this play is that it considers transference as a factor. I love that the piece explores training AI as a labor and exploitation issue, which is what so many narratives miss. The characters are specific, and humanity is always at the center of the story. Dark, melancholy, thought-provoking!

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: Chuan & Mom by Lyra Nalan
    “

    A moving play about mental health and how hard it can be to ask for help. I loved the sci-fi aspects of this play and how it explores generational trauma.

    A moving play about mental health and how hard it can be to ask for help. I loved the sci-fi aspects of this play and how it explores generational trauma.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations
1 m (Asian), 3 f (2 Asian, 1 white)

Development History

  • Reading, Digital Project Development , 2024