The Veils

by Hope Villanueva

A female Marine returns home from deployment in Afghanistan to begin planning her wedding. While being tormented by her controlling sister and mother, she fights against the ghosts she's returned with from her experience overseas.

A female Marine returns home from deployment in Afghanistan to begin planning her wedding. While being tormented by her controlling sister and mother, she fights against the ghosts she's returned with from her experience overseas.

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The Veils

Recommended by

  • Claire Fry: The Veils by Hope Villanueva
    “

    A stunning depiction of how trauma is like the base layer of paint that gets revealed whenever there is a chip. The characters leaped off the page––wonderfully done!

    A stunning depiction of how trauma is like the base layer of paint that gets revealed whenever there is a chip. The characters leaped off the page––wonderfully done!

    ”
  • Cheryl Bear: The Veils by Hope Villanueva
    “

    A powerful and moving study of the fight one faces when returning home to normalcy while dealing with many demons. Well done.

    A powerful and moving study of the fight one faces when returning home to normalcy while dealing with many demons. Well done.

    ”
  • Belle Frahm: The Veils by Hope Villanueva
    “

    This play is incredibly touching and realistic. I felt the confusion, anguish, frustration, heartbreak, and whirlwind of events as I read it and I really appreciated Villanueva having the courage to create such a vulnerable story. I hope that this is able to reach many audiences - it needs to be heard.

    This play is incredibly touching and realistic. I felt the confusion, anguish, frustration, heartbreak, and whirlwind of events as I read it and I really appreciated Villanueva having the courage to create such a vulnerable story. I hope that this is able to reach many audiences - it needs to be heard.

    ”
View all 11 recommendations

Character Information

There are sections that call for the voice of Mel's father to be heard. This can be pre-recorded and this actor is not ever seen.
  • Mel
    Mel is an active Marine Corp translator, sharp of mind and strong of body. More comfortable among her military friends than with her mother and sister.
    Early to mid-20's
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Harmony
    Mel's older, type A sister. Very well intended but very pushy. Has a deep drive to do and be as perfect as possible.
    Mid to late-20's
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Wendy
    Mel and Harmony's mother. Recently lost her husband and dives into health an yoga in an effort to cope. Needs order around her to feel safe.
    Mid-50s to early 60s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Stitch
    A Marine who has been in for a few tours more than Mel and is one of her central friends. An older soul who loves Elvis and has a nostalgia for a time before he lived. Plays it cool to hold himself together.
    Mid to late-20's
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Vargas
    A Marine, a bit younger than Mel and Stitch, but the fun-loving and bubbly member of their trio. Talks a lot of shit, but is really just a big hearted kid.
    Late teens to early 20s
    Latino
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Workshop, Discovery New Play Festival (Ball State University, IN), 2017
  • Reading, Kitchen Dog Theatre New Play Festival (Dallas, TX), 2017
  • Reading, Baltimore Playwrights' Festival (Baltimore, MD), 2016
  • Reading, The 15th Annual Page to Stage Festival at The Kennedy Center (Washington, DC), 2016
  • Workshop, The Black And Latino Playwrights' Conference (Texas State University, TX), 2016
  • Reading, Open Stage DC, 2015
  • Reading, Public, 2015
  • Reading, Private, 2014

Production History

  • Professional, Nu Sass Productions (Women's Voices Theatre Festival 2018), 2018
  • Professional, The Parsnip Ship - Audio Podcast (New York City, NY), 2016

Awards

  • SETC/Ready to Publish Award
    SETC
    Finalist
    2020
  • Kitchen Dog Theatre New Play Festival
    Kitchen Dog Theatre
    Selection
    2017
  • Discovery New Play Festival
    Ball State University
    Winner
    2017
  • Black and Latino Playwrights' Conference
    Texas University
    Winner
    2016
  • For Production
    TheatreLAB UK
    Finalist
    2015