LITTLE AMAL

Amal Walks Across America: One Little Girl, One Big Hope.

For nine weeks in fall 2023, Americans encountered Little Amal, a 12-foot puppet representing a 10-year-old Syrian refugee and a symbol of global human rights, especially for refugees. Her journey, a series of art and hope festivals, highlighted the plight of children affected by war, violence, and persecution. From Boston to San Diego, Amal touched the lives of over 800,000 people across 50 towns, through 123 events orchestrated by 1,000 artists and organizations.Little Amal's impact was felt nationwide, with over 4,000 community organizers, worked with 1,500 artists, and 250,000 youth engaged in educational activities.

Partnering with a diverse array of cultural institutions, elected leaders, and community groups including the American Repertory Theater in Boston, One Art Community Center in Philadelphia, Mass MoCA, Washington Performing Arts Society, Union Station in DC, Arab American National Museum, Chicago International Puppet Theater, Historic Clayborn Temple, Alliance Theater in Atlanta, Ya Samar Dance Theater, Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, Music Box in NOLA, Urban-15 in San Antonio, Tohono O'odham Nation, Deaf West, and Casa Familiar, Amal's journey received unwavering support and collaboration. These remarkable partners are just a glimpse of the incredible network we had across the country who were all imperative to the storytelling of this important message, offering unwavering support and collaboration to Amal's journey.

From iconic landmarks to poignant sites, Amal's journey encompassed some of America's most significant locations. She visited the US Capitol, where she stood as a symbol of hope and resilience. At the US-Mexico border wall, Amal's presence brought attention to the realities faced by migrants seeking refuge. The Lorraine Motel, a historic site of the civil rights movement, became a backdrop for Amal's message of unity and justice. Fenway Stadium hosted an event where Amal's journey was celebrated amid the vibrant energy of America's pastime. Friendship Park, straddling the US-Mexico border, provided a poignant setting for Amal to highlight the importance of compassion and connection across boundaries. 

The OFFICE performing arts + film is proud to have produced the US walk of Amal. Our mission has always been to create impactful and thought-provoking experiences through the arts, and Amal's journey aligned perfectly with that goal. Bringing Little Amal to communities across America, we aimed to spark conversations, foster understanding, and inspire action on issues affecting refugees and immigrants. Through our locally-led partnership model, we formed unexpected relationships and alliances, engaging with the challenging situations faced by vulnerable populations. This extensive public art project invited diverse communities to welcome Amal authentically, sharing her urgent message: "Don't forget about us." By producing highly ambitious theater with openness, respect, and playfulness, we aimed to spark resonant engagements with the challenging situations in which vulnerable immigrants and refugees find themselves as they attempt to create viable lives in villages, towns, and cities across the world.

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Amir Nizar Zuabi
PUPPET DESIGN Handspring Puppet Company
PRODUCER David Lan
PRODUCER Tracey Seaward
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER Sarah Loader
USA PRODUCING PARTNER THE OFFICE performing arts + film
FUNDRAISING CONSULTANT Jamie Bennett
FUNDRAISING CONSULTANT Melissa Gallin
ARTISTIC ASSOCIATE & DIRECTOR OF PUPPETRY Enrico Wey
ARTISTIC ASSOCIATE Khadijat Oseni
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Muaz Aljubeh
HEAD OF PRODUCTION Boyd Design

SELECTED PRESS MENTIONS:

• The Guardian: Meet Little Amal, the puppet girl refugee about to walk 8,000km

• The New Yorker: Little Amal, a Symbol of Refugees

• New York Times: Four Months, 5,000 Miles: A Refugee Puppet Looks for Home

• USA Today: Syrian children have faced war and famine. A giant puppet named Little Amal is telling their story.

• BroadwayWorld: Little Amal, the 12-Foot-Tall Puppet of a Syrian Refugee Girl, to Walk Across America

• Associated Press: Little Amal, a 12-foot puppet of a Syrian refugee, will travel the US

• The Hill: Little Amal walks through DC to spread awareness for refugees

• PBS: Puppet of 10-Yr-Old Syrian Refugee, Little Amal, Learns ASL

• Boston Globe: Boston welcomes Little Amal as the 12-foot puppet begins her journey across America

• San Diego Union-Tribune: Who is Little Amal and why is she ending her 6,000-mile cross-country trek in San Diego?