Review: Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity

Thursday night was media night for the world premiere of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity written by Heather McDonaldand directed by Nadia Tass.The women focused work showcased the power dynamics among three women trapped in a 100-year war inside a dilapidated museum as they try to restore a Rembrandt. 

The all women cast and female director is no mistake as the show is part of “The Heidi Thomas Writers’ Initiative, a partnership with the Jenna and Paul Segal Foundation, is a multi-year commitment to present world premieres by female playwrights with female directors (signature website: https://www.sigtheatre.org/events/2018-19/masterpieces-of-the-oral-and-intangible-heritage-of-humanity/).”

This thought provoking show stars one of my favorite actresses in the area Holly Twyford as Layla an art restorer. I last saw her at Signature in Sondheim’sA Little Night Music. The show also has a strong cast with super fit Felicia Curry as Mitra (the military guard) and Yesenia Iglesias as Nadia (the nurse). 

(Felicia Curry as Mitra (the military guard) and Yesenia Iglesias as Nadia (the nurse) and as Holly Twyford as Layla; photo credit: Photo by C Stanley Photography)

Twyford as always steals the show as she demonstrates strength and dignity while in dire circumstances. She starts the show as if she is a college professor about to give a lecture. The audience was given a bag before the show containing a pencil, piece of paper and a rock. Twyford asks the audience to write down things one would take out of their house if there is a fire. I wrote: my leather jackets, pictures, diploma and cat. The staff handed the notes to Twyford who then dumped them on the ground. Why did she do that? You will have to go to the show to find out!

All of a sudden a militant guard, Mitra, chases after her and she runs off stage. Next scene is Layla chained to the wall as she screams in pain. Her clothes are bloodied.  Nadia the nurse tends to Layla’s wounds.

Layla and Mitra have an angry tete a tete as Mitra tries to force Layla to restore a Rembrandt. Mitra violently breaks Layla’s hand so she can’t work.

(Holly Twyford as Layla repairing the Rembrandt; photo credit: Photo by C Stanley Photography)

The power dynamics of the play are beautiful. The play’s symbolism showed we are different, but in the end want the same results.  The play is so deep I do not understand all the symbolism like opera vs Radiohead. In the end the play shares we all care about the same things.  The beautiful line that we all have dead people in our families demonstrates how similar we are.  Once Mitra, the soldier, was stripped of her power we learned who she really was. Mitra and Leyla learned about each other more and could work together for one goal.  

The stark set design by James Kronzer sets the mood with dead blue birds everywhere, debris falling through the set, and fallen statues.  The costume design by Kathleen Geldard clearly shows the power dynamics via the clothes.

The show is intense and deep so if you’re looking for lighthearted this isn’t it, but if looking to celebrate women and their dynamics and love symbolism this is the play for you. Oh and hey if you like Radiohead you will like this play too!

Running Time: 95 minutes, with no intermission.

Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity plays through April 7, 2019, at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Avenue, Arlington, VA. For tickets, call 703-820-9771 or go online.