i know why iris chang died

by Esmé Maria Ng

This is the year May is going to die. Before May dies, they're going to create their magnum opus - a graphic novel that encapsulates their family's experience during the Rape of Nanking. Meanwhile, their twin sister, April, is trying to have a baby. Inspired by the life and death of Chinese-American journalist Iris Chang, this dark and deeply funny two hander takes a look at legacy, mental health, and healing...

This is the year May is going to die. Before May dies, they're going to create their magnum opus - a graphic novel that encapsulates their family's experience during the Rape of Nanking. Meanwhile, their twin sister, April, is trying to have a baby. Inspired by the life and death of Chinese-American journalist Iris Chang, this dark and deeply funny two hander takes a look at legacy, mental health, and healing from generational trauma.

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i know why iris chang died

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  • Premiere Stages at Kean University: i know why iris chang died by Esmé Maria Ng
    “

    Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre company in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize i know why iris chang died as a Semi-Finalist in the 2025 Premiere Play Festival. The play rose through a competitive process conducted by Premiere staff and an external panel of professionals to become distinguished among 805 submissions. The panel was impressed by the play’s theatricality and rich visual palette embedded in the work. Our congratulations and thanks to Esmé.

    Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre company in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize i know why iris chang died as a Semi-Finalist in the 2025 Premiere Play Festival. The play rose through a competitive process conducted by Premiere staff and an external panel of professionals to become distinguished among 805 submissions. The panel was impressed by the play’s theatricality and rich visual palette embedded in the work. Our congratulations and thanks to Esmé.

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: i know why iris chang died by Esmé Maria Ng
    “

    This play will make you laugh and break your heart in so many ways. This is a play about the relationship between sister,generational trauma and the toll being an artist takes on one's life. I loved how unique each twin is and how they each want different things out of their lives. I loved how different their relationship with family is. I loved how focused May is on their art, I loved how focused April is on being a mom and I loved how focused they are on taking care of each other. Produce this play.

    This play will make you laugh and break your heart in so many ways. This is a play about the relationship between sister,generational trauma and the toll being an artist takes on one's life. I loved how unique each twin is and how they each want different things out of their lives. I loved how different their relationship with family is. I loved how focused May is on their art, I loved how focused April is on being a mom and I loved how focused they are on taking care of each other. Produce this play.

    ”