Opening this Friday, November 30th, and running through December 16th at West of Lenin, ‘Veils’ by Tom Coash and directed by Lia Sima Fakhouri provides a view of the culture clash going on today.
Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous uprising that deposed Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, in 2011, ‘Veils’ has been produced around the world. Now, Macha Theatre Works has brought this powerful and personal piece to Fremont.
‘Veils’ shares the stories of Intisar, a veiled African-American Muslim student, and Samar, her non-veiled Egyptian roommate. Arriving for a year of study abroad at the American Egyptian University in Cairo, Intisar’s feelings of relief at finally fitting in is challenged by Samar. As Egypt hurtles towards revolution, the two women find themselves on opposite sides of a bitter cultural divide. Will the violent events and emotions salvage their fragile friendship, or shatter it?
Featuring Fathiya Ritter and Alaji, this timely and thoughtful play will bring audiences into a foreign world, and familiar themes. Purchase tickets through MachaMonkey, on-line, and at the West of Lenin box office (when available.) The show runs on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with industry night on December 10th, and a matinee on December 16th.
While attending ‘Veils’, or visiting the box office, check out the art display by Hiba Jameel in the West of Lenin lobby. A self-taught painter, Jameel uses distinct brush strokes, a rich color palate, and exaggerated figures. Each painting is a theatrical scene, with a luster finish of gold and luminescent hues. Be sure to take in the art show, before or after seeing the theatrical one of ‘Veils.’