Since ancient times the moon has been an object of fascination. It’s shifting shades, sometimes teary, sometimes shy, give birth to legends that pass down from generation to generation.

When Neil Armstrong took his first walk on the moon for the world to see, the Chinese legends of the man, woman, rabbit and tree live on. Our mind accepts these two seemingly contradictory realities because one cannot live without the other.

Neil Armstrong landed on the moon in the lunar module. Chang’er arrived by floating. Wu Gan the wood cutter was blown there, and Jade Rabbit was installed by the Goddess of Mercy. The moon seems to be a place of reflection for its oddball residents: Chang’er’s choice of drinking the elixir, Wu Gan’s aspiration to greatness, Jade Rabbit’s selfless determination, Osmanthus tree’s resilience, and Neil Armstrong’s attempt to revisit that one great moment in his life, only to find that moment no longer exists. Legends are the human condition told with imagination. They are the wisdom that our ancestors passed down to us. Use it, and more comes out.

The Plot:

American astronaut Neil Armstrong landed on the moon and discovered Chang'er, Jade Rabbit, and Wu Gan─ legendary characters from the Chinese mythology. Neil Armstrong learned from his new friends how they became immortals and arrived at the moon. But just when he grew comfortable, his adventure continued.

Poet and playwright Clara Hsu wrote and produced this children's play to celebrate the 2021 San Francisco Autumn Moon Festival. Because of the pandemic, the play was made into a Play-Movie. Thirteen children and two adults participated in this intergenerational production. A Costume Parade with the cast and young lion dances after each performance.

Audience Comments:

“Neil Armstrong at the Moon Palace” is another successful performance that engages the fun and enthusiasm of youth. ~Alex Benedict

It’s a lovely little play, and well staged!
I like the attack on over-sized portions and ideas…and the clarity of the children’s delivery of language. ~ Sydney Clemens

…very cute and very well done, thanks for making me laugh… ~ Bill Kwong