Themes

The Appalachian State University production of The Other Shore focuses on two prominent themes in the play: collectivism verses individualism and the Buddhist concept of freedom.

Collectivism verses individualism

The Other Shore follows the journey of one central character, known simply as The Man, who is continually harassed and pressured by the masses to conform.  This theme of tension between the individual and the collective recurs in Gao Xingjian’s work and placed him at odds with the communist government in China.  Just a few years after the play was first produced in 1986, Gao fled his home country and has resided in France ever since.  To learn more about this theme, visit our Collectivism verses Individualism page.

The Buddhist concept of freedom

Another important theme explored in The Other Shore is the Buddhist idea of freedom.  The “other shore” is a Buddhist term that equates to reaching Nirvana, or full enlightenment.  The “other shore” is a final, blessed state free from ignorance, desire and suffering. Appalachian’s production of this play is itself a meditation on enlightenment.  As the audience observes The Man and other characters striving to reach the other shore, they are encouraged to reflect on how to free themselves from the shackles of ignorance, desire and suffering in their own lives. To learn more about this theme, visit our Buddhist Concept of Freedom page.