Unveiled addresses issues of racism

This Monday and Tuesday, artist Rohina Malik is coming to Hopkins. She will perform her one-woman show “Unveiled” and visit two classes.

This show addresses issues of racism and hate crimes. But most of all, it gives voice to the unique female Muslim perspective.

On Malik’s website, the premise of the play is described as such: “Five Muslim women in a post-9/11 world serve tea and uncover what lies beneath the veil.”

Rohina Malik is a playwright, actress and performance artist of South-Asian heritage. She was born and raised in London, England. Currently, she is based in Chicago.

In addition to “Unveiled,” she is also the author of “The Mecca Tales and Yasmina’s Necklace.”

Rohina is a resident playwright at Chicago Dramatists. She is an artistic associate at the 16th Street Theater and she was one of the four original writers of The Goodman Theater’s “Playwrights Unit.”

“Unveiled” had its world premiere in 2009 and has become a critical success. Its entire run and subsequent extension were sold out.

Since then, Malik has been invited to perform at various other theaters, as well as at universities, churches, mosques and synagogues.

In December 2011, Malik performed at the Baltimore Theatre Project. Now she is back in Charm City to share her story with the Hopkins community.

The JHU Internal Press Release describes Malik’s work as a “humorous yet compelling way for students to learn about racism, hate crimes, love, Islam, culture, language and life.”

This event is co-sponsored by The Digital Media Center, Homewood Arts Programs, Campus Ministries, Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Program for Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies.

It is presented as a way to encourage different perspectives and explore diversity within Islamic culture.

“Unveiled” will be performed at 7 p.m. on the night of Nov. 12 in Levering’s Arellano Theatre. Afterward, there will be an audience discussion. The performance is free and open to the general public.

On Nov. 13th, Malik will be a guest in courses offered by the Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies department.

Her time at Hopkins is sure to be an entertaining and educational experience for everyone involved.