Synopsis

London, with the events taking place over twelve months between 1982 and 1983.

Rowena, a diligent social worker, navigates the dark complexities of pornography and its societal impacts in Sarah Daniels’ hard-hitting play “Masterpieces.” Set in various domestic and professional environments, the play unfolds through the lives of Rowena, her husband Trevor, and their friends and colleagues. It dissects themes of exploitation, gender violence, and the dehumanising effects of the pornography industry.

The narrative juxtaposes Rowena’s professional encounters with victims of abuse against the seemingly benign lives of her friends, highlighting the pervasive and insidious nature of misogyny and sexual violence. As Rowena becomes more deeply involved in addressing these issues, she confronts her own vulnerabilities and the hypocrisies of those around her. The play crescendos into a powerful and disturbing exploration of how societal norms perpetuate violence against women.