Chit-Chat and video with Rohina Malik: Muslim culture “Unveiled” at 16th Street Theater

Writer and actress Rohina Malik brings Muslim culture to the spotlight with her one-woman show, “Unveiled,” currently playing at the 16th Street Theater in Berwyn.

In the play, which tells the stories of five women living in a post-9/11 world, Malik takes on multiple roles to portray each of the characters.
 

Rohina Malik rehearses at the 16th Street Theater in Berwyn for  "Unveiled," a one-woman show she wrote. Malik plays the roles of five Muslim women in the post-9/11 world, serving tea and their stories. STAFF PHOTO BY BILL ACKERMAN

 
Who are the women portrayed in the play, and how do they differ from one another?

Four of the women live in the U.S. Maryam is a Pakistani-American, Noor is a Moroccan-American, Inez is an African-American, Layla is an Arab-American, and lastly, Shabana is a South Asian-Londoner. They differ in age and where they are in their lives. Some are wives and mothers, (and) others are single and career focused.
Tea and coffee is an important part of Islamic culture. It is a symbol of friendship, tradition and hospitality. As the women make their cultural drink, they begin to unveil who they are — their hopes, fears, hardships and triumphs.
Todd and Holland Tea Company of Forest Park will be providing a variety of teas featured in my play for the audience to experience, which I am so excited about.

Who or what influenced you to write this show?
The images I see of Muslim women are stereotypical and often very offensive. I was influenced to write this play by the women of my community. I wanted to unveil who they really are, what their faith is really about, and what living in these times is like. I wanted to share with Americans cultures and languages that are so rich and beautiful.

As one actress, how do you tell the stories of five women? How do you transition from woman to woman?
That’s a great question, but difficult to answer without spoiling what the audience is going to experience. I will tell you this. You will hear music from the Islamic world that is so beautiful, such as the Middle Eastern Ney, Oud, and more. That’s all I’m going to say. You are just going to have to wait and see. 

What are you hoping people will learn from watching this play?
On the (16th Street Theater) Web Site, the picture we chose for “Unveiled” was of five mannequins in a shop window wearing veils. I chose that picture because I know what it feels like to be treated like an “other,” like a non-human. My hope is that the power of theater and storytelling will help people see how similar we really all are.

SEE THE PLAY
WHAT “Unveiled”
WHERE 16th Street Theater, Berwyn Cultural Center, 6420 16th Street, Berwyn
WHEN 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and 5 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; through Saturday, May 30
HOW MUCH $16; call (708) 795-6704 or visit www.16thstreettheater.org