This short documentary on the tour of TOP SECRET in China gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to take this play, with its themes of freedom of the press, to three cities in China – and at the reaction of the audience and the Chinese government.
Top Secret Extras
Pictures from the TOP SECRET China Tour
Download the TOP SECRET script in English
Download the TOP SECRET script in Chinese
Learn More
The Discussion
In Spring 2010, the Center on Communication Leadership & Policy hosted TOP SECRET TALKS, post-show discussions that featured Daniel Ellsberg, James Goodale, and more. More info/audio on our blog. Read More
The Administration
The Nixon Adminstration had several options when confronted with the Pentagon Papers leak — and may have chosen the least productive response possible Read More
The Documents
“The Pentagon Papers” as a term references the 7,000-page, 47-volume, 2.5 million-word product of the ‘Vietnam History Task Force’. Read More
The Courts
The Supreme Court decided on First Amendment Grounds that prior restraint could not prevent publication of the Pentagon Papers, even though the information related to defense and national security. Read More
The Leakers
Government leaks of confidential information can be self-interested, done in the interest of one’s superior, or made as attacks against other figures or departments. Read More
The Newspapers
The right to publish the Pentagon Papers was viewed as a triumph for free press, but the press’s constant duty to deal carefully with national security has led to many other moments of conflict with the government. Read More