Paper Tiger

Synopsis

A remote island, present day

Him, a lonely postman on an isolated island, finds his world turned upside down when he meets Her, a mysterious woman who speaks an incomprehensible language. As they forge a tender connection through gestures and invented words, their burgeoning romance is threatened by the island’s growing hostility towards outsiders. Mhairi Ledgerwood’s “Paper Tiger” is a poignant exploration of communication, cultural identity, and the power of language to both unite and divide.

Through a unique linguistic landscape where understanding fluctuates and meanings shift, the play delves into themes of xenophobia, belonging, and the fragility of human connection. The non-linear narrative and dreamlike quality of the dialogue create a surreal atmosphere, blurring the lines between reality and perception. As the political climate darkens and Her faces deportation, the play becomes a haunting meditation on the cost of assimilation and the struggle to maintain one’s identity in the face of oppression.