VEILS

Intisar, a veiled African-American Muslim student, thought she might finally fit in when she enrolled for a year abroad at the American Egyptian University in Cairo. Samar, her Egyptian, non-veiled roommate, enlists Intisar’s help in creating an internet blog about the controversial practice of wearing veils..or not and hopefully helping to bridge the gap between the West and the Middle-East. They and their...
Intisar, a veiled African-American Muslim student, thought she might finally fit in when she enrolled for a year abroad at the American Egyptian University in Cairo. Samar, her Egyptian, non-veiled roommate, enlists Intisar’s help in creating an internet blog about the controversial practice of wearing veils..or not and hopefully helping to bridge the gap between the West and the Middle-East. They and their project, however, are overtaken and in danger of being overwhelmed by events leading up to and including the beginnings of the recent Egyptian revolution. In struggling with events such as a university ban on wearing burkas, an anti-American protest/riot, and Samar’s arrest and forced virginity test, Intisar and Samar are surprised to find themselves on opposite sides of a bitter cultural divide. Will the violent events and emotions leading up to the revolution salvage their friendship or shatter it?

VEILS is the Winner of the 2015 American Theatre Critics Association's M. Elizabeth Osborn Award, a Finalist for the 2015 Steinberg/ATCA Award, Winner of the 2013 Clauder Competition, and a recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award.
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VEILS

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear:
    12 Aug. 2020
    A moving and compelling play that prompts us to look at the issues surrounding women's rights in the Middle East with understanding and friendship as they fight for the country and life they want. Powerful, riveting and well done!
  • Jason Aaron Goldberg:
    17 May. 2018
    Thought provoking and powerful. The kind of play that should be getting more attention in the current American climate. Perfect for high school and college age actresses.
  • Lindsay Partain:
    3 Mar. 2018
    I've not only had the immense pleasure of reading VEILS but was given the opportunity to see a full production of it as well. This piece brings humor, friendship, and most importantly a voice to the young people in Cairo. Two friends sitting on either side of the veil fight for the right to choose which way best honors them. A lovely piece that will make you grip your stomach from the laughter and the hurt. If you aren't open-mouthed and crying by the end of Samar's monologue are you even human?

Development History

  • Workshop
    ,
    Dayton FutureFest
    ,
    2013
  • Reading
    ,
    Stageworks/Hudson
    ,
    2012
  • Workshop
    ,
    Oklahoma State University
    ,
    2012
  • Workshop
    ,
    iStar Theatre Lab
    ,
    2011
  • Workshop
    ,
    Seven Devils Playwriting Conference
    ,
    2009

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Macha Theatre Works - Seattle, WA
    ,
    2018
  • University
    ,
    Pacific University
    ,
    2017
  • Professional
    ,
    Women and War Festival (London, UK)
    ,
    2016
  • Professional
    ,
    Pear Theatre - Mountain View, CA
    ,
    2016
  • Professional
    ,
    Asylum Theatre
    ,
    2015
  • Workshop
    ,
    New Origins Theatre Company - Atlanta, GA
    ,
    2015
  • Professional
    ,
    Portland Stage
    ,
    2014

Awards

Winner
,
Clauder New Play Competition
,
Portland Stage
,
2103
Finalist
,
Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award
,
American Theatre Critics Association
,
2015
Winner
,
M. Elizabeth Osborn Award
,
American Theatre Critics Association
,
2015
Winner
,
Edgerton Foundation National New American Play Award
,
Edgerton Foundation - TCG
,
2014