It is the immediate future.
Theater in America is being strictly monitored by the State, and no performances are allowed without State approval.
Those who violate the State's rules are subject to severe punishment.
In a darkened and boarded-up playhouse, a woman is being questioned by masked officers who have been assigned to capture and investigate anyone suspected of being an actor or otherwise involved in the production of theatrical events.
The suspect, however, claims vigorously that she is simply a watchman who has been hired to look after the empty building.
In the middle of their increasingly shrill interrogation, a second group of masked officers storm the theater, saying they too have been sent there on am anonymous tip of illegal performances.
After a brief struggle for control of the situation, the two raiding parties join forces to try determine exactly what kind of subversive activities may be taking place in this building.