This volume brings together two plays by Gao Xingjian. Escape is set during the turmoil of a violent political crackdown in Beijing, and shows a few people trapped in a dark place as danger gathers outside. They argue, fear and doubt, and the play considers how individuals respond to political violence. The Man Who Questions Death is a more philosophical, ritual-like piece, in which figures reflect on mortality and meaning. Both display the author's spare, experimental theatre and his interest in individual conscience.