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But things are more desperate than they seem for, unbeknownst to them, China is trying to break ties with Albania and is using its control of the steel mills, as well as secret alliances inside the Albanian government, as levers. No one really knows how deeply China is involved in the troubles back home, except for maybe Skender Bermema, a famous writer and a friend of Silva's, who is sent to China on a fact-finding mission. What he uncovers is the horror of Mao Zedong's China: a nation that drains away one's individuality, independence, and creativity. Perhaps Mao's true agenda will be revealed at a mysterious gala concert held in Peking. The handpicked members of each foreign delegation who are invited think so, and attempt to decipher, in the colors, figures, and gestures of the Chinese actors, some message that might clue them in.