A Thousand Years Ago: A Romance of the Orient

Name: A Thousand Years Ago: A Romance of the Orient
Author: Percy MacKaye

By Percy MacKaye

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Plays/Films/Dramas Romance

About This Book

The play reimagines a Persian folktale as an ornamental stage romance set in an imperial court, where a proud princess issues lethal riddles to would-be suitors and a determined foreign prince accepts the challenge. Courtly ritual, harem scenes, and a wandering troupe of masked comedians intersect, producing comic improvisations, dreamlike sequences, and staged pageantry. Through contests of wit, disguise, and revelation, the drama explores theatricality, the tension between love and authority, and the power of storytelling and performance to transform rigid custom. Scenes alternate between public ceremonial spaces and intimate dream episodes, blending commedia dell'arte motifs with fairy-tale romance.

About the Author

Percy MacKaye

Percy MacKaye was an American playwright, poet, and author known for his contributions to the theatrical arts in the early 20th century. His works often blend elements of romance, tragedy, and community engagement, reflecting his interest in the transformative power of theater. Among his notable plays is "Caliban by the Yellow Sands: A Community Masque of the Art of the Theatre," which showcases his innovative approach to performance. MacKaye's writing frequently explores themes of nature and humanity, as seen in works like "Sanctuary: A Bird Masque" and "Fenris, the Wolf: A Tragedy." His legacy includes a commitment to enriching American theater and fostering a deeper connection between audiences and the performing arts.