New Haven Hosts "Doc Hay" Drama Performance

Authors: Monica Chen and Jessica Qi

On December 22, 2023, the North American Maple Connecticut Theater presented a theatrical performance titled "Doc Hay" at the Chinese Alliance Church in New Haven, Connecticut, and received praise from over 300 attendees. The play depicts the remarkable story of a first generation Chinese herbalist during the Great Depression. Originally named Wu Yunian, "Doc Hay" treated both Chinese and American patients with Chinese herbs. As a Chinese immigrant herbalist, he encountered numerous legal challenges, including three lawsuits reportedly suing him for practicing medicine without a license. Nevertheless, he was repeatedly ruled innocent and continued to gain respect from many. Known for his generosity, “Doc Hay” frequently provided free treatment to patients, accumulating approximately $23,000 in uncashed checks from those he had treated. Through their compelling performance, the North American Maple Connecticut Theater not only underscores the significant contributions of “Doc Hay,” but also highlights the resilience he demonstrated in the face of discriminatory laws in the U.S. This powerful portrayal serves to emphasize the struggles and triumphs of early Chinese immigrants, while also showcasing the influence “Doc Hay” had on the development of East Oregon.

In a mere two-month timeframe, the play’s dedicated case comprising approximately fifty performers, spanning various age groups, worked diligently to ensure the success of the theatrical production. Zhang Xi, the playwright and director, is also the creative mind behind two other plays, The Chair in Columbia University and Lue Gim Gong, that illustrate the story of first generation Chinese immigrants in the United States.  Notably, these plays have not only attained success, but have also significantly resonated within the Chinese-American community. 

(Photos courtesy of the North American Maple Connecticut Theater)