Heaven is High and the Emperor is Far Away

an interesting piece, gives us a look at the mind set and the impact of events on citizens during a time of upheval, the two acts is an interesting way to do this play, not knowing the complete work I wonder how it handled the story, i like the two acts becuase it introduces characters in the first scene only to have them replaced with related characters that perform the same function in the play in the second act, saying i think something about the face of the forces of change in the country and the way the individual play roles in that change, the shopkeeper indeed is the character that endures, he is there in the first act and the second, he in many ways represents the resourceful public who at the center of dramatic change seek to remain whole and go about the business of life, the tragedy perhaps is that the shopkeeper does not realize that playing both sides against the middle ultimately is the demise of his own and family's middle class standing, this says much about social and cultural change and its impact on the citzen's and the working class, i will back this

Hock,

Heaven is High and the Emperor is Far Away has a great premise and as I looked at your two books, deciding which to read some of, I found that this one drew me right in. I enjoyed the read greatly! I enjoy plays and also asian books so I found this quite enjoyable. The way your characters interact with eachother and talk about the world was just right. I've given it five stars. Thank you for the enjoyable read and for taking some time with my book, The Ark of Humanity.

- Scott, The Ark of Humanity

Hock, I am pleasantly surprised having read several chapters. I want to return and finish reading this and your other book. You are on the right track my friend. Mr. Grassroots.

Thanks. I have rushed into print as I want to move on to the next project. It is now available at https://www.createspace.com/3699809

Hock, I am pleasantly surprised having read several chapters. I want to return and finish reading this and your other book. You are on the right track my friend. Mr. Grassroots.

I’ve actually acted in quite a few plays at the community level and also done some professional children’s theater, so it was great to be able to review a script. Wow. I can say that as an actor, I would love to earn a part in a performance of Heaven is High and the Emperor is Far Away, though I can see the difficulties in casting logistically for a setting that spans many years and has so many characters. Still, I think it could be done so long as you had some talented actors willing to play multiple parts.

From a writer’s perspective, author Hock G. Tjoa is a true professional. Writing a screenplay is different from a novel because it’s almost all dialog, yet Tjoa is able to really express the mood and motivations of each of the characters that enter the teahouse. Actors should have little trouble fitting into their roles. There is quite a lot of emotion from the characters, and it plays very well, keeping the pacing of the overall work perfectly suited to hold an audience’s interest. And the audience can follow the feeling of the play because of the detailed descriptions of the sights and sounds that are occurring in the background and within the common room.

I love the setting and the idea behind a play like this. I think it could prove to be a very popular performance. Normally I try to give advice or suggestions at this point, but I don’t really know much about marketing plays. Writing wise I think things are just about perfect. The one thing I would say is that Hock G. Tjoa is a good author. Perhaps a path to success would be to write Heaven is High and the Emperor is Far Away as a historical fiction novel set around the teahouse. Then when the novel becomes popular, a theater company might be more willing to take on such a huge undertaking in terms of manpower. In any case, the play is a great read. I would love to see it performed one day, if not try out for a part within it.

John Breeden II
Old Number Seven

- Heaven is High and the Emperor is Far Away -

(Based on the preface and scenes 1-3)

I'm not a playwrite, and until recently wasn't an anything write, so I can't claim to offer an expert opinion on the piece here but I can say I liked what I read. The set-up is one that works well, with the political turmoil reverberating throughout. Though we do not see it, wee feel it in the conversations of the characters who walk through Lao's Teahouse, policemen, relatives and a colourful cast of regular customers. the off-set noises of the crowd outside are also a clever touch to give us a sense of a nation in tumult even as we remain within the relatives narrow confines of a teahouse.

I thought the note in the preface about the piece being too large, in terms of cast, for most theatres to stage was intriguing. I would be interesting to know what the author's vision was when writing. How does he see it being staged? Would cast members play multiple characters, etc?

As I say, I'm not really in a position to comment on a theatre piece so it's difficult for me to be especially constructive. All I can really offer is a few nitpicks.

Scene one:
-I wasn't really clear on what a 'queue' was in this context. Perhaps this culd be illustrated in some way?
-The line, 'The President of the Republic, Yuan Shikai...' sounds a little bit contrived, an obvious way of working in infor of time or place. Perhaps this could be worked in in a more natural way of speech.

Scene three:
-Typo. 'A eunuch' instead of 'an'.

I can't fault the rest of it though. I was able to visualise the scenes and the characters and to feel the tension in the air from what I read here so that can only be a good thing.

All the best with it,

Ross

Hello dear Hock G. JTjoa.

-heaven is high and the emperor is far away--

Most unusual, a script for a play on site.

Hock, i read all of this marvellous work of yours, and pictured myself sitting in a theatre in Beiijng , enjoying ever line posted,
Love the characters and found the names amusing from a western point of view and so descriptive.

I can hear the Chinese music in the background as the scenes change. Have to say i like what i have read.

six stars in this genre.

Tom Bye Dublin Ireland
book- from hugs to kisses'
please to oblige and to look at mine , if you can spare the time.
thank you kindly.

I'd go to the theatre for this. Imagine having to pay tribute to someone for the sake of peace, or being sold into slavery so you could be some Eunuch's plaything.
We take so much for granted in our society, that this would be a great reminder of just how blessed we are.
I'm not familiar with this genre, but i can appreciate a piece of art when i see it.
Six stars, and will shelve when the opportunity presents itself.
Best,
Maria
Dark of the Moon

Hi,

I found this a promising work. Your premise is interesting, and could make for an interesting piece of theater. I did find the language a bit stilted. I understand that it's a different time and place, but it didn't feel as naturalistic as I'd have liked. I also think you might ease into the background a little more fluidly. It's a bit heavy-handed.

Interesting - and good luck with it. And I hope you'll take a look at mine if you haven't already.
Best,
Andi
Animal Cracker