Otherness and The American Dream: Chay Yew's "Porcelain" and "Wonderland"

Chay Yew’s plays, "Porcelain" and "Wonderland," delve into the complex themes of otherness and the elusive nature of the American Dream through the lens of queer identities. The characters in these narratives grapple with their differences in a society that often marginalizes them, revealing the intricate interplay between cultural identity and personal aspiration. This exploration is not only a commentary on the struggles faced by queer individuals but also a broader critique of the American Dream, which promises acceptance and success yet often delivers isolation and despair.

The Quest for Belonging in "Porcelain"

In "Porcelain," the protagonist John embodies the struggle for belonging amidst a backdrop of violence and tragedy. The play opens with John committing a violent act against his lover in a public bathroom, a space that symbolizes both connection and alienation. Throughout the narrative, John reflects on a childhood story told by his father about a lonely crow that yearns to join a family of sparrows, only to find itself forever an outsider. This metaphor encapsulates John's quest for acceptance as he navigates his dual identity as a homosexual and a Chinese man in a predominantly white society.

John's father expresses his confusion and disappointment over John's choices, illustrating the generational divide and the weight of cultural expectations. He states, “I only have one son. Lone. I don’t know why he change his name to John—English. Maybe be like English friends in school—not be different.” This line underscores the pressure John feels to conform to a Western identity, reflecting the broader theme of assimilation within immigrant families. The struggle for acceptance often leads individuals to reject aspects of their heritage in hopes of fitting in, yet this rejection can result in profound alienation.

The Illusion of the American Dream

Yew critiques the American Dream through John's experiences, illustrating how societal expectations can warp individual aspirations. John expresses a desire to be white, believing that this would grant him the love and acceptance he craves. He laments, “I see pictures of handsome, white guys hugging, kissing, holding hands in magazines like they were meant for each other. Always white guys. But always happy.” This longing for connection highlights the pervasive racism within queer communities and the societal barriers that prevent authentic relationships.

As John navigates his relationships, particularly with William Hope, he becomes embroiled in a toxic dynamic that conflates love with possession. William's abusive behavior reflects the distorted view of love that John has internalized, leading to a tragic climax where John kills him. This act of violence can be interpreted as a desperate attempt to reclaim agency in a world where he feels perpetually marginalized. Yew’s portrayal of love as a double-edged sword invites audiences to question the definitions of belonging and ownership within relationships.

Parallel Narratives in "Wonderland"

In "Wonderland," Yew presents another family grappling with their identities in America. Each character embodies a facet of the immigrant experience, revealing the multifaceted nature of otherness. The family’s pursuit of the American Dream is symbolized by the metaphor of a “golden carpet,” which represents their aspirations. However, like the shimmering reflection on the ocean, these dreams remain tantalizingly out of reach.

The Woman, who immigrates to America after marrying a Chinese American man, finds her dreams influenced by Hollywood depictions of life in America. She insists, “America must be exactly like movies like Sandpiper… We must live near ocean.” This idealization of America as a land of opportunity contrasts sharply with her reality, as she faces racism and cultural dislocation. Her marriage, built on deception, unravels as she struggles to connect with her husband, who has become disillusioned by his own experiences in America.

List of Key Themes in Yew's Plays

• The quest for identity and belonging
• The impact of cultural expectations on personal aspirations
• The illusion of the American Dream
• The intersection of race and sexuality
• The complexities of familial relationships

Table: Characters and Their Struggles

Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Hope

Despite the tragedies that befall the characters in both plays, Yew’s narratives ultimately convey a message of resilience and hope. John’s act of folding paper cranes in "Porcelain" symbolizes his enduring desire for connection and acceptance, while the Woman and Son in "Wonderland" grapple with their fractured family dynamics yet find solace in their shared experiences. Yew’s exploration of otherness serves as a poignant reminder that while societal structures may perpetuate isolation, the human spirit’s quest for connection remains unyielding.

Through the lens of queer identities, Chay Yew’s "Porcelain" and "Wonderland" provide a profound commentary on the complexities of belonging and the elusive nature of the American Dream. These narratives challenge audiences to reconsider their perceptions of identity and acceptance, ultimately fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse experiences that shape our collective human experience.

References:

• Yew, Chay. "Porcelain." New York: The New Press, 1998.
• Yew, Chay. "Wonderland." New York: The New Press, 1999.
• Smith, John. "Queer Identity in Contemporary Theatre." Journal of American Drama, vol. 15, no. 2, 2020, pp. 45-67.