Tales from the Forbidden City
Book by Sachi Oyama, Lyrics by Noelle Donfeld, Music by Nathan Wang
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Tales from the Forbidden City
Upon entry, he is guided toward Yi Po, the main actor and director of operas for the Dowager Empress of China. Po, the young eunuch is told, will help him in his journey to perform an act of bravery in the fabled City and thus regain his “precious part” in the afterlife. The director is a favorite eunuch of the Dowager Empress who has returned from a brief retirement to take back her regency from her nephew who has angered her with his passion for reform. She comes with Shih-Kai, her advisor, and Jung Lu, her lover, who are at odds as to how to deal with the bellicose foreigners.
Po is there with the court to provide the Dowager with diversion, but he is in conflict. He loves the Emperor’s wife, the Pearl Concubine, from afar and will do anything to protect her. The Emperor and his concubine want reform for the country. Sensing his hidden love for her, the Pearl Concubine asks Po to present an opera which shows the danger of stagnation. Po, believing it will endanger her, refuses.
The Dowager, meanwhile, still conflicted about the Foreigners, consults the past emperors but cannot decide whether to confront them. When Jung Lu tells her she will always react as “a woman,” she angrily unleashes the Harmonious Fists, a group of men who believe themselves magical and impervious to bullets, on the Foreigners. The results are disastrous.
The Foreigners invade the Forbidden City once again, forcing the court to flee. As they are about to depart, the Pearl Concubine confronts the Dowager and tells her she must take the Emperor with her to safety. Angered, the Dowager orders the Pearl Concubine thrown down a well for her insolence. The court flees, and all are left to wonder what has become of the brave concubine.
In the Second Act, the Dowager returns to a burned and destroyed Forbidden City. They have been allowed to return provided they pay indemnity to the foreigners. The Dowager agrees, and her advisor, Shih-Kai, as well as her nephew, the Emperor, are forced to commit suicide–Shih-Kai for his poor advice, the Emperor because he has outlived his usefulness. Jung Lu survives to continue his torturous love affair.
Po laments at the well where he believes the soul of the Pearl Concubine resides. An-Li, aggrieved at his master’s sadness wishes there was something he could do to alleviate his pain. He remembers the one wish that he was promised on the tears of his pet doll and wishes for the return of the Pearl Concubine.
She returns. She tells Po of the knowledge she now possesses. The Pearl Concubine tells Po he must create an opera that shows what will happen in the century to come. Rejoicing in his ability to atone for his past cowardice, Po reveals the future to the Dowager in the form of an opera. In it, there is a confrontation between the government and students demanding reform. The students are defeated but triumphant in bravery. Also revealed is the disdain in which the empress will be regarded—the legacy of her cruelty and shortsightedness. Po is put to death for his opera of truth. An-Li is now left alone. But the spirits of the past return—Emperor Kang Hsu, the Pearl Concubine, and Yi Po, his master. They are there as they witness the transformation of the young boy to young believer, one who will carry the torch of bravery to those yet to come.
Selected Lyrics
I CAN SEE HER THERE
I CAN SEE HER THERE
c) Donfeld/Wang
(Po, the head of the imperial opera, shares his longing for the Pearl Concubine with An-li, the new, young eunuch.)
Po
I CAN SEE HER THERE,
ACROSS THE SEA OF A THOUSAND DREAMS.
SHE COMBS THE SAND.
THERE IS JASMINE IN THE AIR.
I CAN SEE HER THERE
ACROSS THE SEA OF A THOUSAND DREAMS.
HER IVORY HAND
PUTS A BLOSSOM IN HER HAIR.
ALL AT ONCE, SHE SEES THE MAN
WHO WATCHES FROM AFAR,
SHY BUT EAGER, SOON EXCHANGING A GLANCE.
HIDING FIRST BEHIND HER FAN,
HER EYES SHINE LIKE A STAR.
HOLDING BACK BUT HOPING TO MEET,
WE WALK WITH DREAM CLOUDS UNDER OUR FEET
I CAN SEE HER THERE,
ACROSS THE SEA OF A THOUSAND DREAMS.
I START TO RACE,
AND I HOPE THAT SHE WILL STAY.
AS I REACH HER THERE,
ACROSS THE SEA OF A THOUSAND DREAMS,
I TOUCH HER FACE,
AND SHE DOESN’T TURN AWAY.
IF YOUR MONKEY COULD FULFILL MY WISHES
IF YOUR MONKEY COULD FULFILL MY WISHES
c) Donfeld/Wang
(Two eunuchs are skeptical of An-li’s claim that his toy monkey, blessed by his mother’s tears, can grant them each a worthwhile wish.)
Qu
IF YOUR MONKEY COULD FULFILL MY WISHES
AND ALLOW A THOUSAND BLOSSOMS TO FALL,
IF YOU’RE SURE YOUR STORY’S NOT FICTITIOUS,
I WOULD GATHER THEM AND TRADE THEM ALL.
I WOULD TRADE THEM FOR A SOFT, WARM KITTEN
OR A PUPPY DOG OR RAT , MAYBE TWO.
IF THE MONKEY DID THIS TRICK IT
MEANS I’D HAVE MORE THAN A CRICKET
WHICH I HAPPILY WOULD SHARE WITH YOU.
An-Li
That is a very good wish, except for the rats. And you, Wu?
Wu
IF YOUR MONKEY COULD FULFILL MY WISHES,
MAY A THOUSAND BLOSSOMS CRASH ON MY HEAD!
THOUGH I FIND YOUR CLAIM IS QUITE SUSPICIOUS,
IF IT’S TRUE, I HOPE I WIND UP DEAD.
FOR AS LONG AS I’M WITHOUT MY PRECIOUS,
AND I’M SO AWARE OF WHAT I LACK,
I’D TAKE ONE LAST, HAPPY BREATH,
WHILE I AM CHOKED OR CRUSHED TO DEATH
AND HOPE, WHEN I’M REBORN, IT’S BACK.
An-Li
Ah, Wu!
Qu
FINALLY WE’D BE A FAMILY,
I COULD HAVE A CAT AND A DOG.
Wu
I’LL NEVER SEE A FAMILY,
SINCE THE OLD ONE CHOPPED MY LOG.
Both
IF YOUR MONKEY COULD FULFILL MY WISHES
AND ALLOW A THOUSAND BLOSSOMS TO FALL
I WOULD FIND HIS ANSWER SO AUSPICIOUS
WHAT HE GIVES ME COULD BE BIG OR SMALL.
I WOULD NEVER HAVE THIS EMPTY FEELING,
I WOULD BE A HAPPY MAN, YES, INDEED.
Wu
I WOULD BE REBORN AGAIN,
BE COMPLETE LIKE OTHER MEN
Both
AND I’D FINALLY GET THE LIFT I NEED!
(Qu lifts up his arms in joy; Wu lowers his hands closer to his precious and motions upward.)
EVERY DAY
EVERY DAY
c) Donfeld/Wang
(The Pearl Concubine tries to convince Po to stage an opera instructing the cruel Empress that reforms are needed.)
Pearl Concubine
DO WE NOT ASSUME A ROLE TO PLAY
WHEN WE FLATTER AND LIE?
DO WE NOT ASSUME A ROLE TO PLAY
EVERYTIME THAT WE SPEAK,
WHEN WITHIN OUR HEARTS OUR TRUE DESIRES
SHRIVEL AND DIE.
AND WE CHOKE OUR WORDS OF PROTEST
FOR OUR HEARTS ARE TOO WEAK.
EVERY DAY, WE ARE ACTORS,
ALWAYS PLAYING A ROLE.
ALWAYS HIDING OUR FEELINGS,
SHOWING AMAZING CONTROL.
EVERY DAY, WE ARE HUMBLE
EVERY DAY, WE GIVE IN.
WAITING VAINLY FOR COURAGE,
HOPING OUR LIVES WILL BEGIN
LIFE’S AN OPERA.
WE AMUSE HER.
LIFE’S AN OPERA.
WE APPEAR
ON HER STAGE,
AND SHE DIRECTS US
LIKE A CRUEL AND COLD PUPPETEER.
EVERY DAY, HOW WE PRAISE HER.
WE’RE OBLIGED TO OBEY.
EVERY DAY WE GROW FAINTER.
SOON WE WILL BOTH FADE AWAY.
EVERY DAY I AWAKEN,
HOPING LIFE WILL BE REAL.
EVERY DAY I DISCOVER
I AM FORBIDDEN TO FEEL.
YET I BURN, EVERY DAY,
EVERY DAY,
EVERY DAY.
BARBARIANS' OPERA
BARBARIANS’ OPERA
c)Donfeld/Wang
(The foreign ambassadors are awaiting the Empress’ next opera, without enthusiasm.)
British
IT’S TRULY, QUITE GRUELING,
IT’S NOT LIKE OUR BALLET
German
A POLKA WOULD BE BETTER,
OR ANY WAGNER PLAY.
Russian
IT’S NOT REALLY DANCING
THEY DON’T KNOW HOW TO SQUAT
French
NO LEG LIFTS, NO PRANCING
A CAN-CAN IT IS NOT!
British
NOW WE WILL SIT AND PRETEND TO ADORE THIS SCREECHING.
German
TRULY IT’S NEVER ENDING AND OVER-REACHING
All
I THINK IT’S ALL IN JEST OR A SECRET WEAPON.
Russian
IT’S ALL IN TREBLE CLEF
BE PREPARED! YOU’LL WIND UP DEAF.
French
TAKE CARE WITH YOUR LORGNETTE
GLASS WILL SHATTER. I BET.
German
THEY ALL PAINT THEIR FACES
EACH SINGER’S LIKE A GHOST
Russian
THEIR CONCEPT OF GRACE
IS RIGID AS A POST
British
THEIR HEADS SEEM OFF BALANCE
AND GREATLY OVERSIZED
French
MAIS, OUI, CHINESE TALENTS
CRY OUT TO BE REVISED
British
WHAT IS THAT MUSICAL THING?
German
IT’S NOT HARMONIC
British
SURELY IT’S MISSING A STRING.
German
IT’S NOT SYMPHONIC
Russian
HOW DO THEY KNOW THEY’RE ON KEY?
French
DO YOU THINK IT MATTERS
All
THEIR CYMBALS EVEN CLASH
NOT ONE SINGER HAS PANACHE
Russian
YOU’LL THINK YOU’RE WATCHING GHOSTS!
British
DO LOOK GRATEFUL TO OUR HOSTS
Translator
(Spoken) Are you looking forward to the opera, esteemed Ambassadors?
All
AH, YES, I’M EXCITED
THAT’S ALL I HAVE TO SAY.
(To each other, sotto voce)
IF I’M RE-INVITED
I THINK THAT I’LL BE OUT THAT DAY.
SPIDER OPERA
SPIDER OPERA
c) Donfeld/Wang
(The Pearl Concubine, in disguise, presents the instructive opera to the Empress.)
Narrator (Pearl Concubine)
IN A FARAWAY KINGDOM, YES, IN FARAWAY LANDS,
LIVED A SPIDER WHOSE WEBS WERE RENOWN.
SHE WOULD WEAVE THEM IN SILVER WITH DELICATE STRANDS
THAT WOULD COVER EACH VILLAGE AND TOWN
SOON THE FARAWAY KINGDOM HAD WEB-COVERED TREES,
AND THE GARDENS WERE BLOCKED FROM THE SUN.
THOUGH THE PEOPLE CRIED OUT FOR THE BREATH OF A BREEZE,
SHE KEPT WEAVING THE WEBS SHE’D BEGUN.
Ensemble
SHE WAS SO INSPIRED.
THE SPIDER ADMIRED
WATCHING THEIR SHINE AND THEIR STRENGTH,
WEAVING THEM MORE TIGHTLY.
HER WEBS SPARKLED BRIGHTLY,
AS THEY GREW BOTH IN WEIGHT AND IN LENGTH.
Narrator
NOW THE FARAWAY KINGDOM WAS STRANGLED AND COLD
AND THE PEOPLE WERE FULL OF DESPAIR.
FOR A DUST-LADEN BLANKET HAD SOON TAKEN HOLD,
WHILE THE PEOPLE CRIED VAINLY FOR AIR.
WHEN THE WIND HEARD THEIR VOICES, IT HOWLED AND IT CRIED.
IT REMEMBERED CARESSING THEIR SKIN.
SO IT BLEW ON THE COBWEBS, YET AS HARD AS IT TRIED,
SHE WOULD NOT LET THE WIND ENTER IN.
Ensemble
STILL SHE ON KEPT ON WEAVING,
AND, ALWAYS BELIEVING,
COBWEBS WOULD NOT BE A SHROUD.
YES, SHE WAS DENYING
HER PEOPLE WERE DYING.
THE SPIDER WAS GREEDY AND PROUD.
Narrator
WHEN THE WIND BATTLED BRAVELY, THE SPIDER WAS SLY
AND SHE SWIPED AT THE WIND WITH HER CLAWS.
THOUGH THE POOR, WOUNDED WIND TRIED TO RISE IN THE SKY
SHE HAD CAPTURED ITS TAIL WITH HER JAWS.
SOON THE FARAWAY KINGDOM WAS FRAGILE AND WEAK
YES, THE KINGDOM WAS BREATHING ITS LAST.
AND ITS SORROWFUL PEOPLE COULD NO LONGER SPEAK
FOR THEIR GLORIOUS HISTORY HAD PASSED.
Ensemble
STILL SHE KEPT ON WEAVING
YES, STILL SELF-DECEIVING,
SO SELF-CENTERED AND PROUD.
SHE COULD NOT ENVISION
HER HORRID DECISION
SHE FINISHED A LONG SILKEN SHROUD
YES, SHE KEPT ON WEAVING AND STILL SELF DECEIVING.
TOO SELF CENTERED AND PROUD
SHE COULD NOT ENVISION
HER FATAL DECISION
SHE FINISHED A LONG SILKEN SHROUD
FINISHED HER OWN SILKEN SHROUD
CORRUPTION
CORRUPTION
c) Donfeld/Wang
(Po presents one final opera to the Empress, who has killed the Pearl Concubine and the young Emperor, Kang Hsu.)
Students and Kang Hsu
CORRUPTION! CORRUPTION!
THE PATH THAT YOU’VE TAKEN
IS EVIL AND UNJUST.
THE RULERS MUST
OBEY THE PEOPLE!
HEAR YOUR PEOPLE!
CORRUPTION! CORRUPTION!
THE PEOPLE WERE FORSAKEN
BY ENDLESS GREED,
BY LEADERS WHO FEED
OFF THE PEOPLE!
OFF THE PEOPLE!
Students
WHERE IS JUSTICE?
KILLED BY THE ELITE.
WHERE IS JUSTICE?
RISING IN THE STREET.
WHERE IS FREEDOM?
OUR FATE IS IN OUR HANDS.
YOU MUST HEAR OUR DEMANDS.
WE’RE YOUR PEOPLE.
CORRUPTION! CORRUPTION!
THE OLD WAYS WILL BE SHAKEN!
OPEN UP YOUR EYES.
YOU MUST HEAR THE CRIES
OF YOUR PEOPLE.
WE’RE YOUR PEOPLE.
Concubine/Students
EVER CHANGING WINDS
SWEEPING OUT THE PAST,
EVER-BUILDING STORMS OF CHANGE,
WE’LL BE FREE AT LAST.
WELCOMING THE SPRING
SPROUTING IN THE EARTH,
CRYING OUT WITH NEW FOUND LIFE
LIKE MOTHERS GIVING BIRTH,
THE EVER CHANGING WINDS.
LISTEN AND YOU’LL HEAR THEM AS THEY CALL YOU
LISTEN AS THEY THREATEN, AS THEY WARN
OUR RULERS HAVE TO BEND,
FOR TYRANNY WILL END.
ITS COBWEBS HANGING IN THE WINDS AS CHINA IS REBORN.
EVER CHANGING WINDS
CALLING YOU BY NAME,
AS THEY KINDLE FREEDOM’S FIRE
AND FAN THE FLAME.
EVER CHANGING WINDS
SWEEPING THROUGH THE SQUARE,
ENDING TYRANNY AND FEAR
AND AGES OF DESPAIR.
THE EVER CHANGING WINDS,
THE EVER CHANGING WINDS
(A short, stubby man in Communist uniform appears as if from on high. He resembles Deng Chou Ping.)
Voice
REBELS!
GIVE UP THIS FUTILE PROTEST.
REBELS!
YOUR VOICES GO UNHEARD.
TRAITORS,
GIVE UP! YOUR COUNTRYMEN ABHORE YOU.
TRAITORS,
YOU’LL SEE THEY LAUGH AND THEY IGNORE YOU.
YOUR RULERS HAVEN’T HEARD A SINGLE WORD.
(In spot, a small man (An-Li) with black pants, white shirt, carrying a shopping bag. He is confronted by men with large silver shields, representing tanks. These men could be the Harmonious Fists in modern but recognizable clothing.)
Man (An-Li)
I AM NO LEADER.
I AM A SIMPLE MAN.
Voice
OUT OF THE WAY!
Man
I HAVE NO POWER,
STILL, I MUST DO WHAT I CAN.
Voice
WE WILL CRUSH YOU.
Man
MAYBE I’LL LIVE OR MAYBE I’LL DIE,
STILL I MUST PLEAD WITH YOU,
STILL I MUST TRY.
YOU HAVE TO LISTEN,
YOU CANNOT DEFY
FOREVER, THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE.
Voice
CRUSH HIM, CRUSH HIM, CRUSH THEM.
(Blackout on Man)
Students
EVER CHANGING WINDS
CALLING US TO FIGHT,
WE MAY LIVE OR DIE
BUT OUR CAUSE IS RIGHT!.
EVER CHANGING WINDS
WARMING EVERY FACE,
THOUGH OUR FRIENDS ARE FIRST TO FALL,
WE’LL RISE UP IN THEIR PLACE.
Voice
SILENCE EVERY VOICE!
Students
10,000 YEARS!
Voice
DRAG THE STUDENTS DOWN!.
Students
FOR CHINA!
Voice
THEY WILL WIND UP IN THE DUST.
WE WILL KILL THEM IF WE MUST.
Students
HARMONY AND
10,000 YEARS,
10,000 YEARS
OF FREEDOM!
A published songwriter, Donfeld is a member of the Dramatist Guild, ASCAP, ALAP, and on the Board of the Academy for New Musical Theatre, Los Angeles.