A Museum in Baghdad

Why Watch A Museum in Baghdad

A renowned British archaeologist, Gertrude Bell, is working on building a museum in Baghdad, the capital city of Iraq. In 2006, however, owing to the war, Iraq is in tatters. Ghalia Hussein is determined to reopen Bell’s museum in the aftermath of the war and is faced with impossible odds. Despite being separated by 80 years of history, the two women share the same goal: to create a sense of national identity among the people and to contribute to world heritage. Several questions, however, stand in their way. Whose culture is it that they are trying to salvage? Does it even matter in times when the population is dropping drastically?

Directed by Hannah Khalil, A Museum in Baghdad is all set to transfer to the Kiln Theatre following a sell-out run at the Swan Theatre. Khalil’s thought-provoking play explores the importance of national identity and the role that monuments and treasures can play in inculcating such feelings in people. Erica Whyman is in charge of the direction, with renowned designer and Olivier Award-winner Tom Piper at the helm of the theatre design.

Good For

Family Audiences | Lovers of Social Dramas