Under the Veil

Intent and Process

The events of 9/11 were traumatic for New York City, for the country, and for the Muslim community in America. The images and implications of two airplanes, hijacked by jihadists, taking down the twin towers, changed virtually everything. In particular, it precipitated a background state of fear, suspicion, and hostility that settled in as a cultural and political habit, and has influenced the way many non-Muslim Americans spontaneously think about and respond to their Muslim-American counterparts. Under the Veil was devised to spark curiosity and self-reflection among audience members, and to foster safe, constructive conversations with the audience about the issues and themes of being Muslim and non-Muslim post 9/11. 

Under the Veil is a two-act play incorporating music, song, and spoken word. The piece consists of 14 independent, but thematically linked dramatic scenes that bring to life 27 characters, including Solace, a homeless street poet and master of ceremonies. Settings range from subways, to bars, to airports, to park benches, to living rooms, to television studios, to employment offices. Each scene concretizes the cares and threats, curiosity and certainty, compassion and righteousness that divide Muslim and non-Muslim Americans in the wake of 9/11. 

Each performance was followed by the ‘third act’ – an Insight conversation with the audience about the themes and issues raised by the play.

TÉA artists conducted hour long, one-on-one Insight conversation with over 40 Muslim and non-Muslim. Employing Insight Artistry, the TÉA Company used these conversations and their own valuing of the issues to create Under the Veil. 

Under the Veil was performed at La Mama Theatre in New York City, as well as at universities and other venues in the New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC.