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.

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: The Paper Hangers by Emily Brauer Rogers
    “

    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!

    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: The Paper Hangers by Emily Brauer Rogers
    “

    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!

    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: The Paper Hangers by Emily Brauer Rogers
    “

    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.

    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.
  • John
    Me's husband.
    20's-40's
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Countryside
    She’s literally the outdoors.
    20's-50's
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Me
    So lost she doesn’t even have a name.
    20's-40's
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Mother
    Me’s mother.
    40's-70's
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Yellow
    The personification of yellow wallpaper.
    Any
    Any
    Non-binary
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      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