The Good Woman of Setzuan

Inspired by the “benign overlord” impression the Nazis tried to establish in Scandinavia, The Good Woman of Setzuan introduces three gods who have come to earth in search of one good person. They find her in a young prostitute. With the aid from the gods she attempts to lead a good life, but finds it only possible if she assumes the identity of her wicked male cousin. Brecht wrote this play in response to his research for refuse from the Nazis to Finland, and eventually to America. Brecht poses the question, “how can one be good and still survive?”