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Ruth Wolff's modern classic is a searing and sympathetic portrait of the extraordinary Dowager Empress Tzu-hsi, whose rise from concubine culminated with ascension to ruler of the Dragon Throne. Set at the dawn of the twentieth century, the play examines the final tumultuous years of Tzu-hsi's reign, as she faces opposition from rebellious subjects at home as well as foreign powers, eager to seize her land and impose western values on a civilisation steeped in tradition. Described by The New York Times as a "sweeping historical drama", Empress of China is a timely exploration of the price of power, and the toll incurred in a war of ruthless politics. "Sweeping historical drama... a villainess of epic proportions." The New York Times "Compelling theatre portrays the rise of Tzu-hsi from emperor's concubine to imperial regent the Dragon Empress who for almost 50 years, from 1861 to 1908, controlled China's destiny from Peking's secure and socially insulated Forbidden City." The Cincinnati Enquirer "Alive with dialogue that is at the same time lofty and logical... plenty of clever humour." Lexington Herald-Leader "Exciting in its power struggles an informative and meaningful work theatrically exciting." Oxford Press. |
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