Being a “Good” Person

The entire premise of the play is set upon the gods finding a “good” person to restore their faith in humanity. When they raise this concern to Shen Teh, she tells them it is impossible to be entirely “good” if someone’s very survival depends on them committing sins or breaking laws. She says she wants to be a help to people and share what little she has with them. However, she relies on prostitution to provide a steady income. When Shen Teh gets her own business, she shares her good fortune with those around her, and she is then known as the “Angel of the Slums.” She knows, though, being “good” is driving her deep into debt with multiple people. In order to continue making a living, Shen Teh creates the alter-ego Shui Ta to do the “bad” and unpleasant things for her. Shen...