The stage is dark. From the darkness, a voice sings the notes of an ancient song, the words unknown, the syllables mysterious and intriguing. The melody teases with a sense of the Far East, an exotic blend of woodwind and harp and human voice. From the darkness, a glow of light reveals the singer: a man wearing a turban. His refrain finished, he turns his focus to the audience and speaks directly to them. “This story has never been