This week was devoted to people whose imagination, creativity and engagement make a difference in the world. Theater was my main focus, and so I thought I’d close this week with a different kind of role playing.

I might have shown some of these images before, I can’t recall. They were taken during an interfaith workshop several years ago, that taught kids about the contents and customs of different religions. My friend Fatima Albar brought her young daughter and the two of them showed all the children how to don a hijab, a headscarf worn by Muslim women, and explained their reasons for wearing these when in public.

It was a lively session, with many questions and answers and then the kids were encouraged just to drape themselves in scarves and find out how it would feel to wear them during their playing and running around. Much laughter ensued, and lots of experimentation, by girls and boys alike.

I was convinced – of course no way I could test that assumption – that these particular children will not shy away from Muslim women or stereotype them for their garb as others might do. And I was glad to see curiosity and openness, rather than closed-off minds clinging to the familiar. Taking on varied roles helps to understand different types of experiences and views – good theater does that for us, even of we do not actively participate.

These kids will be in middle-school now; perhaps they march tomorrow at the national or local #marchforourlives – I will be there to support them and their demands for safety from assault weapons. Perhaps even photograph……..