Little Amal, a 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee, will visit Chicago Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 as part of her fall tour across the U.S.
Produced by The Walk Productions in association with Handspring Puppet Company, “Amal Walks Across America” aims to give voice to marginalized people and spread a story of hope as the puppet discovers the cultures and people who make up the U.S. According to an announcement from project organizers, she represents the thousands of refugees around the world looking for somewhere safe to live.
The Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago Humanities Festival, Chicago International Puppet Festival, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Silk Road Rising, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Chicago Refugee Coalition, Literacy, Volunteers of Illinois, Madonna Mission, MedGlobal, New American Welcome Center, University YMCA, the Chicago Architecture Center and Syrian Community Network will hold a series of theatrical welcome events when Amal stops in Chicago.
Her two-month trek is scheduled to reach some 35 U.S. cities and towns.
“Amal stands for unity and hope,” said Walk Productions artistic director Amir Nizar Zuabi. “Each artist, organization and institution has a story to tell about their unique slice of American history and culture, and is inviting Amal and all Americans to learn about what makes this country’s heart beat.”
The giant puppet was created by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company (which did puppets for the hit show “War Horse”) and has traveled across 13 countries. The character was inspired by the play “The Jungle” by Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson, which tells the story of a French refugee camp.
Amal’s Chicago stop kicks off with an event titled “What city, friends, is this?” at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Sept. 28 and will end at Maggie Daley Park on Sept. 30 with “Drift into sleep,” where Amal will curl up underneath the moonlight to sleep and dream.
“Amal Walks Across America” will be in Chicago Sept. 28 to Oct. 1 at various locations, more information at walkwithamal.org
