Cathay Opera

Cathay Opera

 

Grand march of the overture.

There is chaos under heaven.

The emperor is burdened with care.

Princess, longing.

The hero returns, only to exit

in misunderstanding

as shadows descend.

The march is heard once more

faint, sinuous.

 

The dynastic family, arrayed along a dais

dab at their lips with silken cloth.

Splendid, handsome, ruinous.

Hero and princess

hand in hand in gestures of song

escape to happiness.

 

Struggle for throne.

Dynastic murder.  Dynastic madness.

The emperor staggers onstage

bloodied, still in heaven's favor

to warn of lawful fate

of any who do not pay tribute.

Audience departs in silence.

Solemn before the majesty of art.

Obedient to emperor's will.