As China modernizes at breakneck speed, emphasizing the factorylike production of contemporary artists, the tradition of Shaanxi shadow theater is on the wane.

Even without hovering drones, a lurking assassin, a thumping score and a denouement, the real-life story of Edward Snowden, a rogue spy on the run, could be straight out of the cinema. But, as with Hollywood, the subplots and exotic locations may distract from the real message: America’s discomfort and its foes’ glee.

I'm tryin to find ways to cope / But I ain't fuckin' round with the gauge or a rope

There was bad blood between them at first, says Mr Vincent, and the lord Harry called farmer Nicholas all the old Nicks in the world and an old whoremaster that kept seven trulls in his house and I’ll meddle in his matters, says he.