Show Information
April 20 - May 16
Upperstage
In-Person Tickets Start at $25
Virtual Tickets $30
About the Play
The Paper Dreams of Harry Chin
by Jessica Huang
April 20 – May 15, 2022
Upperstage
Available for streaming May 2 – 15, 2022
BuY VIRTUAL TICKETS
The final performance of The Paper Dreams of Harry Chin, scheduled for May 15 at 2 pm, is cancelled due to breakthrough COVID-19 cases in the company. We appreciate your understanding and will work with patrons on ticket exchanges or refunds. If you have any questions, please contact the Ticket Office at 317.635.5252 or ticketoffice@irtlive.com.
a surreal journey through past & present
Despite the US ban against Chinese immigrants, Harry Chin forged a new identity to earn precious American dollars to send home to his starving village. Now he is trapped between two families and two worlds. Seasoned with magic and mystery, this hauntingly theatrical tale from our overlooked history considers the personal and political repercussions of making a group of people illegal.
*Part of IRT's INclusion Series: Celebrating Diverse Storytelling
APPROXIMATE RUN TIME: 2 hours, including a 15-minute intermission.
The Paper Dreams of Harry Chin is a family drama that contains profanity and references to suicide. Recommended for patrons 9th grade and above. Due to content and length, children under 4 years of age are not permitted in the OneAmerica Mainstage and Upperstage Theatres. Learn more about our attendance policies here.
Health & Safety Guidelines:
All IRT patrons attending public performances must show a photo ID and proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test (administered no more than 72 hours prior to the performance), in addition to wearing a mask. By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge and agree to comply with the terms of our policies. Please see our full Health & Safety information and policies on our FAQs page.
Artistic Note:
“The Paper Dreams of Harry Chin is a beautiful play skillfully woven from the story of a man who immigrated to the United States in the 1930s despite the Chinese Exclusion Act. Watching the play is like putting together an elaborate puzzle as Chin's journey unfolds through striking flashbacks and memories. Playwright Jessica Huang has vividly illuminated with great care a period of our American history often intentionally under examined. It is a timely piece that asks us to think deeply about our current immigration policies and how our ancestors gained access to the land we live on.” – Benjamin Hanna, Associate Artistic Director
faqs: season, safety, and streaming
Read the free digital program below or click here.
Multimedia




Cast Members

Laura

Sheila

Boss & Interrogator

Yuet & Susan

Harry

Poet & Immigration Officer
Creative Team

Playwright

Director

Scenic Designer

Costume Designer

Lighting Designer

Sound Design & Composition

Projections Designer

Dramaturg

Stage Manager
Sponsors
ARTIST SUPPORTERS:
David & Ann Frick | Supporters of Jaki Bradley
Rollin & Cheri Dick | Supporters of David Shih
A.J. Allen | Supporter of Sam Encarnacion
Cheryl Gruber Waldman | Supporter of Allison Buck
Mark & Gerri Shaffer | Supporters of Linden Tailor
Noel & Mary Phillips | Supporters of Anne Bates
Ben Pecar & Leslie Thompson | Supporters of Stephenie Soohyun Park
PRODUCTION SUPPORTERS:
Tom & Nora Hiatt
Joe & Jill Tanner
SEASON SUPPORTERS:
Bob & Toni Bader | Season Supporters of Janet Allen
Gary Denney & Louise Bakker | Lead Individual Production Support, Fahrenheit 451
Michael Dinius & Jeannie Regan-Dinius | Season Supporters of Suzanne Sweeney
Susan & Charlie Golden | Season Supporters of Rob Johansen
Mike & Judy Harrington | Season Supporters of Ben Hanna
Sarah & John Lechleiter | Season Supporters of James Still
Mike & Liz Simmons | Season Supporters of INclusion Series
David P. Whitman and Donna L. Reynolds | Season Supporters of Costume & Prop Shops