In his speech the prologue tells us that the author of the play is fond of the ancient custom of such an introduction, but not of the old purpose.
He does not employ it for the purpose of proclaiming that the tears and passions of the actors are but simulated and false.

No! He wishes to let us know that his play is drawn from life as it is--that it is true.
It welled up within him when memories of the past sang in his heart and was written down to show us that actors are human beings like unto ourselves.
An unnecessary preachment, and if listened to with a critical disposition rather an impertinence, as calculated to rob us of the pleasure of illusion which it is the province of the drama to give.
Closely analyzed, Tonio's speech is very much of a piece with the prologue which Bully Bottom wanted for the play of "Pyramus" in Shakespeare's comedy.

We are asked to see a play.

In this play there is another play.

In this other play one of the actors plays at cross-purposes with the author--forgets his lines and himself altogether and becomes in reality the man that he seems to be in the first play.