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Carrie Cox: Laila Hameen’s one-woman, multi-cultural show at Pique on Pike shared important message


Laia Hameed portraying her elementary school teacher. (Photo provided)

Laila Hameed portraying her elementary school teacher. (Photo provided)

Pique on Pike Street in Covington entertained audiences with a multi-cultural one woman show performed by Laila Hameen.

The performance, “Laid Off” recounted Laila’s story of growing up Muslim in America. She talked about the abuse she experienced at the hands of her father. Her mother, who escaped the abusive situation with Laila, watched as her daughter literally healed old wounds before an audience.

Laila portrayed a wide array of characters from her abusive father to teachers who inspired her to become the woman she is today.

She takes those watching on a participatory roller coaster of emotion that starts in grade school. She talks about growing up as the only black Muslim in an all-white Christian school while sobbing out the story of her abusive father. Her memories are vivid, though she was only seven when she and her mother fled.

She then leads listeners through her own tumultuous relationships with men. Having no father figure she had no compass for navigating waters that can be confusing for any young adult. Laila is candid and raw as she lays open her wounds for the audience. You can see those with similar experiences nodding at the familiarity of the story that plagues so many women, but is rarely discussed.

The show shifts gear as Laila moves from failed relationships to floundering through finding the right career. She talks about having a master’s degree, but little purpose or passion for the mundane day to day grind of work life.

When she finds herself unexpectedly laid off from her job at a radio station she sits down to write her resume. The show “Laid Off” was born from Laila’s raw examination of being 30 and still caught in an identity based conflict, unsure of where it is going but certain where she has been.

Laila did a question and answer session with the audience after that show that was vulnerable and open.

One person asked Laila’s mother if it was difficult to watch her daughter’s performance about such a difficult time in their past.

Ms. Hameen responded, “At first, I was afraid to go see the show, then I realized, I am a survivor.”

Listening to Ms. Hameen revealed the inspiration for Laila’s courage and wisdom. They have been through much and have come out the other side beautiful people
.
A must see for anyone wrestling with their past or stuck dealing with their present.

For more information on upcoming appearances visit http://laidoffonewomanseries.webs.com/

For more information on the new unique venue, Pique, where a variety of artist show case their work visit their website: http://www.piquewebsite.com/4x5-CarrieCox

Carrie D. Cox is host of The Military Mamas Radio Show, a talk radio program for veterans, active duty military and their families. She also works as the co-host of TWT-TV a veteran-owned small business. She grew up in Covington and graduated from Holmes High School. She moved away as a military spouse but returned several years ago and began writing and teaching. She has a doctorate and holds degrees in public relations, psychology, conflict management, neurolinguistics programming and forensic psychological profiling. Email: carriedcox@yahoo.com


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