The Paper Hangers by Emily Brauer Rogers

Full-length: Based on Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper,” The Paper Hangers takes a modern look at Me’s struggle to deal with postpartum depression when society, particularly her mother and husband, expect a new mother to embrace motherhood and domesticity.
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The Paper Hangers

Recommended by

  • John Bavoso:
    8 May. 2020
    “ THE PAPER HANGERS is a deeply theatrical examination of trauma, mental illness, and reluctant motherhood and a savvy reimagining of a classic text. There are so many opportunities in this play for creativity and wit from a team of designers. And let me tell you, the musings on solitude and staying indoors hit differently during a global pandemic. Everyone should read this play right now! ”
  • Gemma Cooper-Novack:
    23 Apr. 2020
    “ This is a smart, fascinating take on a classic feminist story. Brauer Rogers takes full advantage of theatrical possibilities, and I'd be so excited to see this play move towards a full production! ”
  • Kate Danley:
    4 Sep. 2019
    “ I caught this play at the Project LaFemme's Page-to-Stage Festival at the Curtis Theatre. A beautiful, haunting, imaginative piece filled with timely statements on relationships and women's assumed roles (whether wanted or not) in "family." It'll leave you thinking long after the play is done. ”

Character Information

While no ethnicity is stated for the characters, the playwright encourages diverse casting.

  • Countryside
    20's-50's,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    She’s literally the outdoors.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any actor of color
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Me
    20's-40's,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    So lost she doesn’t even have a name.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • John
    20's-40's,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    Me's husband.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Mother
    40's-70's,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    Me’s mother.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s, 60s, 70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Yellow
    Any,
    Any
    ,
    Non-binary
    The personification of yellow wallpaper.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any adult age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Project La Femme
    ,
    2019
  • Reading
    ,
    Woven Theatre
    ,
    2019
  • Reading
    ,
    About Face Ireland Newvember Playreading Series
    ,
    2019

Production History

  • Workshop
    ,
    Stages OC
    ,
    2020