Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, at Theatre Works

We are confronted by distressing imagery of natural disasters and the aftermath of war, where nothing remains but the grey shell of homes that once were.

In contemporary terms, think Gaza, the Ukraine and Russia.

This, on a large scale, on a big screen, begins a more intimate portrayal of the impact of devastation.

A woman, Layla (Jane Montgomery-Griffiths), is being held captive in a Museum of Art and Antiquities that has been ravaged by war. 

Photos by Sarah Clarke

The room she is in has a gaping hole in the roof.

She is an art restorer, world renowned for her expertise in the area.

Layla is tortured and prevailed upon by a soldier, Mitra (Kate Cole), to do what she does best – restore damaged art.

Attending to the art restorer’s wounds is a nurse, Nadia (Laila Thaker), who has been dragged out of a hospital.

Still, Layla point blank refuses to cooperate, because any good in the world has been sucked out of it and she says she doesn’t care anymore.

Among her injuries is a broken hand.

Still, her head is finally turned when the soldier tells her that her first assignment is to restore a Rembrandt masterpiece – The Two Marys.

In truth, with no-one she loves left alive, Layla longs to see real beauty again.

Thus begins a compelling to and fro between three combatants who have been greatly impacted by war.

All have suffered. All have lost. Is there any way through the mire? Is it each to their own or does cooperation have a place and, if so, at what cost?

Inspired by a UNESCO proclamation in 2001, Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity was written by American Heather McDonald. 

It plays on the concept of humanity, beauty and destruction.

It poses the question if your home was burning and you had 20 minutes and only a shoebox to save what you wish, what would you take with you?

Masterpieces features a most impressive grey/black toned set, which sheets home the impact of war, and evocative costuming.

The craftsman is set and costume designer Ishan Vivekanantham.

Overall, I was greatly moved by what I was witnessing.

Still, after establishing the harsh reality of the position the trio was in, I questioned the direction of the script.

That is, whether the twists were, indeed, plausible, or if they were merely wishful thinking – to present a skerrick of hope.

I ask that in light of real-world experience – the doomsday scenario, if you will. 

With the world having taken on a decidedly sombre tone, with everyone seemingly out for themselves, it must be questioned whether humanity has been lost, without reprieve.

Nonetheless, Jane Montgomery-Griffiths is outstanding in the lead role, bringing strength, determination and enormous pain to bear as art restorer Layla.

She has a commanding presence throughout.

But she is not the only one to capture attention. Kate Cole is powerful and unbending in realising the soldier Mitra, while Laila Thaker has an edginess as the nurse.

Sound and lighting have important roles to play in this tension-charged piece and sound designer Daniel Nixon and lighting designer David Parker excel.

Director Nadia Tass looms large throughout, ensuring that we think and feel deeply as the narrative grabs hold of us and shakes us to our core.

Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity is timely and troubling, leaving an indelible imprint.

Ninety minutes without interval, it is on at Theatre Works until 1^st August, 2026.