Shoes from The Motherly and Auspicious, directed by Patricia Hackett, 1952

From the tiny stage in the basement of her home saloon theatre Patricia Hackett starred and directed The Motherly and Auspicious: Being the Life of Empress Dowager Tzu Hsi by Maurice Collis in 1952. An epic performance of nearly three hours, Hackett painted the backdrops herself and purportedly used authentic Chinese silk costumes.