Three gods descend to Earth seeking a single virtuous soul, finding only a prostitute named Shen Te who offers them sanctuary. Shen Te is given money to open a tobacco shop, but her inherent goodness makes her vulnerable to exploitation by those around her, particularly a pilot named Sun who takes advantage of her. To protect her business and her own well-being, she adopts the guise of her ruthless cousin, Shui Ta, creating a dual identity that becomes increasingly difficult to maintain in a world rife with poverty and cruelty. The narrative explores the struggle to remain good amidst harsh societal conditions.

This new translation of Bertolt Brecht's classic parable, published in 2008, was created by David Harrower for a production at the Young Vic. The play itself is renowned for its philosophical depth and its critical examination of societal structures. The narrative's core conflict, between Shen Te's innate goodness and the pragmatic demands of survival in a capitalist society, has long been a subject of critical discussion. This edition, based on an unpublished version, offers a specific interpretation for contemporary audiences, highlighting the enduring relevance of Brecht's themes.