In Descent, Qais Masri, Gelila Yitsege, Jack Donohue and Éva Stanton adapt Epictetus’ Handbook to the modern setting of Columbia University’s undergraduate student life. Their original script connects scenes of anxiety, despair and misunderstandings to the Stoic philosopher’s program for moral and emotional survival. The humans of Descent confront volatile emotional scenarios, finding the final cure in themselves rather than in the outside world.