Under Heaven

Under Heaven

 

Act I

Grand march of overture.

There is chaos under heaven.

The emperor is burdened with care.

Princess, longing.

Hero returns, then to depart

in misunderstanding

shadows descend

march is heard once more

furtive, faint.

 

Act II

Dynastic family arrayed on dais

dab at lips with silken cloth

splendid, handsome, ruinous.

Hero with princess

hand-in-hand in gestures of song

escape to happiness.

 

Struggle for throne.

Dynastic murder.  Dynastic madness.

Emperor staggers onstage

bloody, still with heaven's favor

to warn the awful fate

of all who withhold tribute.

In silence watchers exit

solemn before majesty of art

they bow to emperor's will.