Paper Angels

Ethnic Heritage Series

From Mel Gussow’s NY Times Review

TO Chinese immigrants on Angel Island, a California equivalent of Ellis Island, detention is the only reality and ”America is just a far-off place in the mind.” It might be months, or even years, before they are admitted to the United States – and eventually some would be sent back to China to face poverty. The waiting is filled with anger, ennui and regret. In her new play, ”Paper Angels,” at the Henry Street Settlement’s New Federal Theater, Genny Lim sensitively studies this specific and also archetypal immigrant experience. Through a group of eight characters – four men and four women – she shows us the aspirations and the helplessness of people who want to improve their lives at the peril of risking everything, especially their own identity.

Presented as part of the 1981-82 Season

Play opened March 26, 1982 at the Henry DeJur Playhouse

Artist Credits

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Credit Artist Photo
Playwright Ginny Lim
Director John Lone
Assistant Director Alice Jankowiak
Stage Manager C. L. Ringelstein
Set Designer Karen Schultz
Lighting Designer Paul Gallo
Costume Designer Susan Hilferty
Sound Designer Carol Bauman
Actor Kitty Mei-Mei Chen
Actor Matthew Grana
Actor William Hao
Actor Lilah Kan
Actor Mia Katigbak
Actor Steve Monroe
Actor Toshi Toda
Actor Ching Valdes
Actor Victor Wong
Actor Henry Yuk

All 1981-82 Season productions: