Giant refugee puppet to walk from Syria to UK in new theatre work

Good Chance Theatre (The Jungle) and Handspring Puppet Company (War Horse) have created the puppet as an emblem of the millions of displaced refugee children separated from their families. Between April and July 2021, Little Amal will make The Walk, travelling from the Turkey-Syria border through Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium and France to reach the UK, culminating in an outdoor participatory event at Manchester International Festival (MIF). 

The Walk is led by artistic director Amir Nizar Zuabi and produced by Good Chance Theatre, Stephen Daldry, David Lan and Tracey Seaward, bringing together celebrated artists, major cultural institutions, community groups and humanitarian organisations. 

Amir Nizar Zuabi said, ‘The attention of the world is elsewhere right now, which makes it more important than ever to reignite the conversation about the refugee crisis and to change the narrative around it. Yes, refugees need food and blankets, but they also need dignity and a voice. The purpose of The Walk is to highlight the potential of the refugee, not just their dire circumstances. Little Amal is 3.5 metres tall because we want her to inspire us to think big and to act bigger.’

On the journey, which will be documented and shared online, over 70 cities, towns and villages will welcome Little Amal with art, including street parades and performances of music, dance and theatre. It is hoped that Amal’s story will be shared by international audiences. A Lands in Exile programme invites public art installations created by Syrian artists for many of the stops on the route, reflecting on the theme of exile and what we mean by ‘home’. 

Location-specific creative learning projects will also take place before, during and after The Walk, engaging with young people from refugee and non-refugee communities.

A fundraising campaign to help support refugees will take place as Little Amal makes her journey. 

www.walkwithamal.org

@walkwithamal