Futurecity is proud to be a partner for Little Amal and her visit to London, in time for her 10th birthday. Today, on 19th October she arrived on the English shores where she was greeted by a Folkestone chorus.
‘The Walk’ with Little Amal is an epic theatrical journey – a moving arts festival of music, dance and theatre celebrating the refugee experience. At the heart of the walk is Little Amal, a 3.5 metre-tall living artwork of a young Syrian refugee child. Produced by Good Chance Theatre, The Walk once completed, will have crossed 8,000 kilometres, 65 cities, towns and villages, creating 120 cultural events along the way; transcending borders, politics and language to share a new way of thinking about what it means to be a refugee in today’s world.
“It is because the attention of the world is elsewhere right now that it is 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 the world to grow big enough to greet her. We want her to inspire us to think big and to act bigger.”
– Amir Nizar Zuabi, Artistic Director of The Walk
Little Amal began her journey from the Syria/Turkey border in search of her mother in July. She has travelled over the past 4 months through Turkey, Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium and France. She has finally made it to Folkestone in the UK, and will travel through Dover, Canterbury, London, Oxford, Coventry, Birmingham, Sheffield and Barnsley before concluding her journey in Manchester on 3rd November. As she set out, she was greeted by a joyful event of welcome by thousands of lanterns held by the communities of the city who gathered at Gaziantep castle to welcome her. Along her journey she has met thousands of local people in towns and villages across Europe taking part in concerts, parties and workshops. She even had a special audience with the Pope.
‘Amal’ in Arabic means hope. The Walk is a celebration of shared humanity and hope. The purpose of the walk is to ensure the world doesn’t forget the millions of displaced children, each with their own story, who are more vulnerable than ever during the global pandemic and the recent crisis in Afghanistan. We are constantly reminded how quickly a life can change for a child. Her character grew from the Good Chance Theatre production of ‘The Jungle,’ which was created at The Young Vic and transferred to the Playhouse Theatre in the West End.
After two years in the making of her solo and larger-than-life character, Little Amal took her first step on 27th July in Gaziantep. The Walk brings together celebrated artists, major cultural institutions, community groups and humanitarian organisations to create one of the most innovative and adventurous public artworks ever attempted. The Little Amal puppet has been created by the Handspring Puppet Company – well known for their work for the play ‘War Horse’.
Little Amal’s presence as an unaccompanied child sends the message: ‘Don’t forget about us.’
We are thrilled that we could help connect Amal to London through Piccadilly Lights, where Little Amal’s journey has been shared in the Cultural Heart of London. Her presence began in celebration for World Refugee Day on 20th June, and will have a special programme for Amal’s 10th birthday live in Piccadilly on 24th October. We are also proud to have introduced #TheWalk to the global headquarters of UNICEF and live the 75th anniversary campaign message of #AChildisaChild.
Follow Little Amal’s journey on The Walk’s website and social media channels.
Donate to The Walk’s Amal Fund here.
A spotlight of UK events
What’s On My Shore?
Date: 19 Oct 2021
Location: Folkestone
On her first day in the UK, Amal is welcome by hundreds of singing voices on the shore at Folkestone. Choirs from across Kent and the South East come together in this spectacular polyphonic moment by the sea.
Lewisham
Date: 22 Oct 2021
Lewisham, the London Borough of Culture has commissioned an artist with experience of migration to create a public artwork that welcomes Amal and celebrates Lewisham’s diversity.
Amal Sees the City
Date: 23 Oct 2021
Location: London
In Central London, Amal wakes up on the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral to be welcomed by many faith leaders. From there she will go on an adventure through the city and across the river to the South Bank exploring its landmarks and cultural organisations. The communities of London are invited to accompany Amal through this eventful day that will feature special events of welcome by the National Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, Southbank Centre, Somerset House, and the Royal Opera House.
The Night Vigil
Date: 23 Oct 2021
Location: London
After a busy day exploring London, Amal arrives on the streets of Covent Garden where the Royal Opera House will welcome her into the Paul Hamlyn Hall to sleep for the night. There she will be surrounded by singers, dancers and musicians who have gathered to hold a night vigil to protect Amal and guard her from bad dreams.
Farewell to London
Date: 24 Oct 2021
Location: London
In a grand finale to Amal’s birthday she arrives in Camden Town where the Roundhouse have planned a raucous birthday party and concert in her honour. Producer & Artists Blue May has curated and creative directed of this one-off concert full of surprises and an extraordinary line-up.
Sky Dance
Date: 29 Oct 2021
Location: Sheffield
In Sheffield, a city known for its dramatic views, Amal will interact with the skyline in a unique audio visual event.
When the Birds Land
Date: 3 Nov 2021
Location: Manchester
The arrival of Amal to Manchester marks the end of her epic journey. In the lead up to Amal’s arrival in local schools, refugee communities and Manchester International Festival will create a special exhibition exploring childhood. Her days in Manchester culminate in a spectacular finale event. Surrounded by the communities of the city, Amal understands that she has reached her final destination. She is now ready to begin her next even longer journey: creating a new life in a new home.