The narrative follows a man who, after the death of his mother, falls into a routine of indifference and emotional detachment, leading him to commit an act of violence on a sun-drenched beach. His subsequent trial becomes less about the act itself and more about his inability to conform to societal norms and expectations, ultimately exploring themes of existentialism, absurdism, and the human condition.

"The Dwarf" is a dark, philosophical novel set in the Italian Renaissance, narrated by a malevolent court dwarf who serves a prince. The dwarf is a symbol for the darker side of humanity, embodying all the malice, deceit, and manipulation that one can possess. His actions and viewpoint provide a cynical commentary on human nature and the moral complexities of power, war, and love. The novel explores themes of good and evil, faith and doubt, and the destructive side of human nature.

"The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui" is a satirical play that uses the rise of a fictional 1930s Chicago mobster, Arturo Ui, to parallel the rise of Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany. The narrative is a critique of those who allowed Hitler to come to power, emphasizing that his rise was indeed resistible. The play explores themes of power, corruption, manipulation, and the dangers of complacency, showcasing the destructive potential of unchecked ambition and the failure of society to prevent the ascent of dangerous individuals.

The play is a parable set in the Soviet Union that explores themes of justice, class struggle, and morality through the story of Grusha, a servant girl who risks her life to protect an abandoned child of noble birth during a time of revolution. As the child grows, a dispute over his custody arises, leading to a trial presided over by a wily, unconventional judge named Azdak. The trial's resolution hinges on the titular chalk circle test, which ultimately reveals the true nature of parental love and the importance of putting the needs of the child first. The narrative is a commentary on the social and political issues of the time, advocating for a society that prioritizes the welfare of its most vulnerable members.

The play is a modern adaptation of the classic Greek tragedy, which follows the story of Antigone, the daughter of Oedipus, as she defies the laws of the state to bury her brother Polynices, who has been declared a traitor and whose body has been condemned to remain unburied. Antigone's actions set her at odds with Creon, the ruler of Thebes, leading to a profound exploration of the conflict between individual conscience and state law, the role of fate, and the nature of morality. As Antigone's resolve leads her to tragic consequences, the play delves into themes of loyalty, honor, and the human cost of absolute power.

"The Good Person of Szechwan" is a parable play that explores the difficulty of maintaining one's morals and goodness in a corrupt and exploitative world. The story revolves around a kind-hearted prostitute who struggles to be a good person under the harsh realities of life in Szechwan. When three gods visit the city in search of a good person, they find only her willing to help them. However, to survive, she must adopt a ruthless alter ego, leading to a complex exploration of morality, identity, and societal pressures.

"The Skin of Our Teeth" is a groundbreaking play that chronicles the enduring struggles and resilience of the human race through the allegorical story of the Antrobus family. Set in various eras of human history, the family confronts repeated catastrophes, including the Ice Age, a great flood, and a devastating war. With a blend of tragic and comic elements, the play employs a metatheatrical style, breaking the fourth wall and commenting on the nature of human existence. Through the cyclical trials and triumphs of the Antrobus family, the narrative emphasizes the persistence and adaptability of humanity in the face of constant challenges, encapsulating the spirit of survival against all odds.