Act I Scene II

ACT I SCENE II - THE EMPRESS' JOURNEY (The darkened stage is set with a lone throne and the Empress sitting upon it.) Empress Zhou: Half-brother! What brings you to the throne room at such an hour? Shang Wu: I could ask you the same, sweet sister. Your coronation is set for tomorrow and yet you've already taken your perch. Empress Zhou: Soon, it will not matter. Tomorrow, I shall be Empress. Shang Wu: We shall see about that... (The stage lights up fully to reveal Shang Wu's forces in hiding ready to strike.) Shang Wu (to the audience): My long-despised enemy shall be forced to flee, and I shall be the Emperor of China! (Lights out.)