This play, inspired by actual events, tells the seemingly unlikely story of a French diplomat who carries on a twenty-year love affair with a Chinese woman. The diplomat is unaware that his lover is actually a man. The highly theatrical narrative explores themes relating to the relationship between masculinity and femininity, the nature of and reasons for disguise, and the meaning of honor.
The first five scenes introduce the play's central character, Rene Gallimand, establish the play's ironic and narrative parallels with the opera Madame Butterfly, and define Gallimand's perspectives on relationships with women.
Scene 1 - Gallimand sits in his prison cell, staring thoughtfully at his tape recorder as Song dances in the background to the accompaniment of traditional Chinese music. As the music changes to an.....
