Masterpieces

This powerful play delves into the complexities of pornography and female objectification, following Rowena's traumatic journey in a society rife with sexism and violence. Masterpieces challenges societal norms.

In Masterpieces, the narrative begins with three couples enjoying a dinner filled with sexist humor, eliciting mixed reactions among the diners. While some find the jokes amusing, others feel discomfort, and one individual appears deeply troubled. This seemingly light-hearted discussion veers into darker territory when Rowena, one of the characters, finds herself on trial for murder after a traumatic encounter following a viewing of a disturbing ‘snuff’ film. The contrast between their casual banter and Rowena's harrowing experience underscores the play's exploration of deeper societal issues.

As the story unfolds, Rowena's journey takes her from her initial exposure to pornography to her attempts to aid a troubled prostitute. Each step in her journey reveals the pervasive impact of objectification and the normalization of violence against women. What begins as uncomfortable laughter evolves into a powerful protest against the subjugation of women, reflecting a broader critique of societal attitudes towards pornography and female autonomy.

Written by Sarah Daniels and first staged in 1983, Masterpieces has been recognized for its bold and unflinching examination of the pornography industry. The play garnered critical acclaim, earning Daniels a London Theatre Critics Award for Most Promising Playwright. This edition, part of the Modern Classics series, includes an introduction by Elaine Aston, offering readers a contemporary lens through which to view this significant work.