The action of the play is continuous, the location of each scene being suggested only by light, properties and sound. It is a chronicle play in that it records actual events, and an example of epic theatre in so far as these events are of major political and social importance and are dealt with on a large scale. As such it represents a change from Shaffer's previous plays, which had involved small casts and single contemporary localities, To suit his epic needs, Shaffer's professed aim in this play was 'Total Theatre', in which not merely dialogue but many other elements should be used. He wanted to create an experience that was entirely and only theatrical.

Apart from dialogue, then, Shaffer uses elements that are of great antiquity. Mime from the Chinese and Indian theatres, is, for example, included here to show the crossing of the Andes by Pizarro's men and the miming of the work by the Indians which, helped by the singing of the toil song, emphasises their ritualistic, mechanical lives.