The East Is Red, The Butt Is Numb

Here's a cruel and random look at a venerated Chinese opera, based entirely on postcards.

Welcome to a play called 'The Red Detachment of Women,' a title that has different resonances for the Occidental. Our hero is Hung Chang-ching, an all-around fun-loving guy.

This play was one of eight permitted to be shown during the Cultural Revolution. It was also shown to Nixon when he visited China. The basic story: a peasant girl has her consciousness raised, leading her to great glory in the Communist party.