Photograph by Ellie Kurttz
An ingeniously constructed play that confronts a number of insoluble historical dilemmas. The setting of the play in both 1926 and 2006 brings us face to face with issues about the ownership and meaning of historical artefacts and their significance to the societies that claim them. Meanwhile the poor are starving and for them the museum is an expensive irrelevance.
The dramatic tension is heightened in the second part of the play when a desperate mother attacks a precious golden tiara. The physical presence of the treasure on stage forces us to face issues of security and ownership. The women, who at different times, curate the museum are laudable in their common purpose to help rebuild Iraq. Ultimately both have to admit failure.
A fascinating exploration of the complex issues surrounding the debate over ownership of the past in the Middle East.
RSC Friends 
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