The Chinese Wall

[Prologue] The play is introduced by a theatrical character, the Contemporary. He shows the audience in front of a drop curtain a realistic picture of the Chinese Wall and tells the audience who are the characters in the play and what the implication of the Chinese Wall for the humankind is. After his theatrical introduction the Contemporary becomes one of the dramatic characters. He meets with Olan and her mute son who appear first on the stage. They come to see Emperor Hwang Ti. The mother tells the Contemporary that there is an evil wispering all over the country about him and there is a mystery man called Min Ko or the Voice of the People. The Contemporary then uses itheir conversation to point out that this is the basic scenario of the play. He also makes it clear that everything on the stage is just a play and no realistic illusion is sought. With the stage setting, every effort is made to insure that "the stage remains a stage." A herald is proclaims that in the empire of Tsin She Hwang Ti, a conlusive peace has been established. The Chinese Wall has been built as the defense against the northwestern barbarian hordes. To celebrate this hstorical event, ceremonies are held and guests from all ages and all corners of the world are invided. 

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