Paper Dream

by Lyra Nalan

In 1930, a former Chinese aristocrat attempts to bring her daughter to the United States but finds herself trapped on Angel Island with a working-class mother and a young woman she fears will corrupt her daughter. As they clash and connect, the play reexamines the American Dream through feminism, class, and survival.

In 1930, a former Chinese aristocrat attempts to bring her daughter to the United States but finds herself trapped on Angel Island with a working-class mother and a young woman she fears will corrupt her daughter. As they clash and connect, the play reexamines the American Dream through feminism, class, and survival.

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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.

    ”
  • Three Brothers Theatre: 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
4f (asian), 2m (1 asian, 1 white)

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