%2523%252B1%252BBurqa%252BBoutique%252B-%252BVeenu%252BSandhu_%252BBurqa%252BBoutique_David%252BMarkewi.jpg — Burqa Boutique

By Brishkay Ahmed

Produced by Killjoy Theatre
Presented by Upintheair Theatre
May 26 - June 1, 2019

Directed by: Gavan Cheema & Jamie King

Creative Team:
CJ McGillivray Sound Design
Kimira Bhikum Set Design
Melicia Zaini Costume Design
Melicia Zaini Lighting Design

Samantha Pawliuk Stage Manager

Featuring:
Zaynab Peri Allan
Khadeja Balinder Johal
Fatima Talietha Sangha
Hafsa Yasmin Tayob
Aisha Sabrina Vellani

The Story:

‘In the midst of war, a multigenerational group of women take refuge inside a burqa boutique that's free from political allegiances.’

Somewhere in the region of the Middle East/Central Asia - sometime in our recent past - a civil war erupts in a country held together by opposing ideologies. A multigenerational group of women get caught in the middle as the Brother’s Republic Party and the Sons of Jihad clash. The women find refuge inside a burqa boutique that separates the nation into two distinct districts; the District of Noor and the District of Tariq.

The boutique provides a necessary service, hijab for women and girls crossing into Tariq and purchasing hijab from women and girls moving into Noor. Hijab is mandatory in Tariq, hijab is banned in Noor. Suddenly both the women of Noor and the women of Tariq are made to confront the realities of the past and make decisions for their future.

While the men battle for gold and copper, the women debate over identity and faith. Through one long night, Aisha, Hafsa, Zaynab, Khadeja, and Fatima consider their identities, as formed and framed by political parties, while a radio carries them through the battle.