The significance of the play's title is derived from the quest for nirvana, which is achieved by human beings only after they have crossed the river of life to "the other shore." This iconic place of peace and understanding can be reached only after trials meant to educate and advance the soul.

The play presents the concept that perhaps things are not what humans may expect in nirvana. Once the actors have crossed the imaginary river, they lose their memories and even their ability to speak. An attempt to teach them language again is met with derision, and the people ultimately kill the woman whose only intention was to help. It is as if the people do not want any memory of a former state of being. Although the actors are not familiar or comfortable with their new state of consciousness, they know that they...