Capital Fringe Review: ‘To Know A Veil’ by Christina Marie Frank

I would say this show is a “must see,” but “see” isn’t the appropriate term. Artistic innovator Emma Crane Jaster and her lovely ensemble played by Naima Ramos-Chapman, Selome Samuel, Kate Folsom, Neelam Patel, and Anastasia Wilson take the audience through an interactive exploration. By attempting to understand the question “Why do women veil and reveal themselves” Jaster and collaborators sift through a complicated women’s issue using a clever range of different mediums. At times the audience is uncomfortable, at times vulnerable, but always engaged. She weaves her story into experiences that turn a would-be voyeur into an vocal participant. Jaster’s bubbly hostess is the only real “character” in the play as the audience gradually becomes part of the cast. It leaves the ego out of theatre. Instead of being a showcase for it’s actresses, the pieces uses the ensemble to establish an interactive rapport.