i know why iris chang died

'i know why iris chang died' by Esmé Maria Ng is a tragicomic play told from the perspective of May - a trans masculine Chinese-American graphic artist. In the wake the Atlanta Spa Shootings, May prepares to publish their debut graphic novel, a recounting of their family’s experience during the Rape of Nanking. As May hyper focuses on the past, their twin sister puts her attention into conceiving a baby through IVF. This heartfelt, dark, and deeply funny two-hander takes a look at legacy, family, suicide, genocide, and healing from generational trauma. The workshop production stars Kelly Marie Tran (Star Wars, Raya and the Last Dragon) as April and Sagan Chen (Survival of the Thickest) as May and is directed by Bibiana Torres (Roundabout Directors Group 2025-26). i know why iris chang died is line produced by Emma Y. Lai, and features illustrations and graphic design by May Wang, sound & projections design by Max Van, and lighting design by Ari Kim.