THE MOUNTAIN OF THE SERVANTS OF GOD

by Nora Louise Syran

(Full length ~100 min/ Draft 4) As floodwaters rise behind a controversial new dam in southeast Turkey, archaeologist Ayşe Yildiz races to protect an ancient mosaic unearthed in a remote Syriac monastery perched on the edge of the Tigris River. The mosaic is a masterpiece—a fragile link between civilizations, faiths, and centuries. But time is running out.

An early draft was a Semifinalist in the Risk Theatre...

(Full length ~100 min/ Draft 4) As floodwaters rise behind a controversial new dam in southeast Turkey, archaeologist Ayşe Yildiz races to protect an ancient mosaic unearthed in a remote Syriac monastery perched on the edge of the Tigris River. The mosaic is a masterpiece—a fragile link between civilizations, faiths, and centuries. But time is running out.

An early draft was a Semifinalist in the Risk Theatre Modern Tragedy Competition 2025.

Why This Play? Why Now?
The Mountain of the Servants of God asks what we would risk to preserve and protect the art and stories that define our humanity? Can civilization can truly prosper in the path of progress?

Inspired by the actual flooding of the village of Hasankeyf in Türkiye and the loss of 12,000 years of history, the play explores the collision between development and preservation.

In this play, a dam promises electricity, prosperity, and a better future, yet the same rising waters threaten to erase centuries of art, history, and memory forever. Against this backdrop, Archeologist Ayşe Yildiz races against the clock to preserve a precious mosaic, and with it, something of herself.

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THE MOUNTAIN OF THE SERVANTS OF GOD

Recommended by

  • Micaele (Mikaylee) Johnson: THE MOUNTAIN OF THE SERVANTS OF GOD by Nora Louise Syran
    “

    Syran's thought provoking play will have you asking important questions of humanity and our relationship to deep rich history in art. The play's intricate premise and interesting characters all in a pressure cooker race against time to save history.

    Syran's thought provoking play will have you asking important questions of humanity and our relationship to deep rich history in art. The play's intricate premise and interesting characters all in a pressure cooker race against time to save history.

    ”
  • Jennifer O'Grady: THE MOUNTAIN OF THE SERVANTS OF GOD by Nora Louise Syran
    “

    Wow, this is such a great play. I found it riveting. Syran’s ability to put us smack-dab and utterly convincingly into an archaeological dig at a monastery in southeastern Turkey is just so impressive, and with its complex believable characters, skillful dialogue, universal relatable themes and a “ticking clock” that sets the stakes very high, this play would make a terrific theatrical experience for audiences of all kinds.

    Wow, this is such a great play. I found it riveting. Syran’s ability to put us smack-dab and utterly convincingly into an archaeological dig at a monastery in southeastern Turkey is just so impressive, and with its complex believable characters, skillful dialogue, universal relatable themes and a “ticking clock” that sets the stakes very high, this play would make a terrific theatrical experience for audiences of all kinds.

    ”
  • Jacquelyn Floyd-Priskorn: THE MOUNTAIN OF THE SERVANTS OF GOD by Nora Louise Syran
    “

    The clock on this play is so very real! My heart was racing as I got to the end. The relics of the past in physical and emotional form both racing against the clock to be saved...or at least preserved. A powerful female forward story for the ages.

    The clock on this play is so very real! My heart was racing as I got to the end. The relics of the past in physical and emotional form both racing against the clock to be saved...or at least preserved. A powerful female forward story for the ages.

    ”
View all 9 recommendations
(order of appearance)

AYŞE - Female. 40s. Turkish Archaeologist. Daughter of the former Minister of Tourism and Culture. (Pron. Eye-Shuh)
Raw feminine energy; a woman as at ease with her intellect as she is in digging in the dirt and driving a truck

MIRA - Female. 30s-50s. Loyal caretaker of Father Gabriel and Mor Saro. (Pron. Meer-a)
Forever feels like a foreigner, Yazidi. Escaped Syria ten years prior. Exudes a quiet strength. Sharp.

FATHER GABRIEL - Male. 50-70s Syriac Priest of Mor Saro.
A genuine man of faith. Worried about the things of this world, but forever hopeful. Fond of nice food, wine and company.

VOICE ON THE TELEVISION Male/Female (20+)

IPHIGENIA - Female. 20s. University Student from Canada. Half Greek, Half Turkish. Has something to prove to herself. Still working herself out. Capable. Interested. A bit lost. (Pronounced If-i-jen-ia) (Also plays Female Tourist*)

DENIZ - Male. 30-40s. Hardworking Turkish archeologist. Muslim. Cares for his family above archeology which he adores. Not a misogynist bone in his body.

AKSEL - Male. 50s. Turkish Minister of Culture (Pron. Ack-cell). (Also plays Male Tourist*)
Ambitious. Attractive in a Professor Indiana Jones way even now that he has given up archeology and wears a suit and tie

There are a total of 6 speaking roles, 8 total roles with 2 non-speaking characters

Development History

  • Reading, Playwrights Thriving Reading Series, July 10, 2025
  • Reading, Workshop, OrganizationDavenport Theatrical / Playwriting Workshop with Eric Webb, 2025