The Paper Dreams of Harry Chin

by Jessica Huang

During the Chinese Exclusion Act, Harry Chin, a Chinese national, entered the U.S. by buying forged documentation. Like other “Paper Sons,” Harry underwent a brutal detention and interrogation, and lived the rest of his life keeping secrets – even from his daughter. Told through the eyes of a middle-aged Chin, THE PAPER DREAMS OF HARRY CHIN reveals the complicated loves and regrets of this Chinese immigrant who...

During the Chinese Exclusion Act, Harry Chin, a Chinese national, entered the U.S. by buying forged documentation. Like other “Paper Sons,” Harry underwent a brutal detention and interrogation, and lived the rest of his life keeping secrets – even from his daughter. Told through the eyes of a middle-aged Chin, THE PAPER DREAMS OF HARRY CHIN reveals the complicated loves and regrets of this Chinese immigrant who wound up in Minnesota. Through dreamlike leaps of time and space and with the powerful assistance of ghosts, the story of the Chin family reveals the personal and political repercussions of making group of people “illegal.”

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

The Paper Dreams of Harry Chin

Recommended by

  • Sue Schleifer: The Paper Dreams of Harry Chin by Jessica Huang
    “

    The play transported me into the lives of the characters and their ghosts. At times funny and touching and also haunting as Harry tries to navigate how to live in this new country and also take care of the people in his past.

    The play transported me into the lives of the characters and their ghosts. At times funny and touching and also haunting as Harry tries to navigate how to live in this new country and also take care of the people in his past.

    ”
  • Kaela Mei-Shing Garvin: The Paper Dreams of Harry Chin by Jessica Huang
    “

    This is a memory play, a ghost play, a play about paper sons and the ramifications of immigration policy. A deeply political work but not on the nose, a deeply moving play but not overwrought. Great roles for actors and opportunities for beautiful design moments. On the whole, it's theatrical, accessible, and lyrical. I'm a huge fan.

    This is a memory play, a ghost play, a play about paper sons and the ramifications of immigration policy. A deeply political work but not on the nose, a deeply moving play but not overwrought. Great roles for actors and opportunities for beautiful design moments. On the whole, it's theatrical, accessible, and lyrical. I'm a huge fan.

    ”
  • Gina Femia: The Paper Dreams of Harry Chin by Jessica Huang
    “

    Adding to the chorus of love for this beautiful play that is so deep and so now and so necessary. Excited to follow its journey.

    Adding to the chorus of love for this beautiful play that is so deep and so now and so necessary. Excited to follow its journey.

    ”
View all 15 recommendations

Development History

  • Reading, TimeLine Theatre, 2017
  • Workshop, History Theatre, 2016
  • Commission, History Theatre, 2015
  • Reading, History Theatre, 2015

Production History

  • Professional, History Theatre, 2017

Awards

  • Barrie and Bernice Stavis Playwriting Award
    National Theater Conference
    Winner
    2018
  • Best of the Week
    Minneapolis Star Tribune
    2017
  • Nominee - Susan Smith Blackburn Prize
    2017
  • Kilroy List
    2017