In a world where civilisation spawns and madness constructs, French philosopher Michel Foucault famously argued in Madness and Civilization that madness is not a natural, unchanging thing—it depends on the society in which it exists. If “madness” is merely a socially imposed label indicating disorder, who decides what is normal and what is insane?

In this asylum, a play unfolds. Four so-called “inmates”: A, perpetually ignored; B, a timid person; C, kindhearted yet unsophisticated; and D, always ready with a well-rehearsed quip. All are labelled as mad and confined within these walls. In their world of make-believe, a host of offbeat characters take centre stage: Deputy E, thrown into a fit of despair when meetings are cancelled; student F, driven to madness by the pressure of exams; and lawyer G, whose chatter with the tall tales in English.

When the characters are exposed to this maddening world, absurdity ensues. While it sparks great laughter, it also reveals their deep loneliness.

Yu Rongjun—one of China’s foremost contemporary playwrights—this work is a testament to his prolific career. With countless plays staged at world-renowned theatres and a litany of accolades such as the Golden Lion Drama Award for Playwriting, the National Theatre Festival’s Outstanding Playwriting Award, the Lao She Youth Theater Awards, and the Cairo International Festival for Experimental Theatre’s Outstanding Social Achievement Award. The Insane Asylum Next to Heaven debuted in 2001, stunned the theatrical circles with its absurd wit and biting satire of modern civilisation. The play continues to captivate and resonate even today.