Amal's trans-European journey
Little Amal, a 3.5-meter-tall puppet of a Syrian girl, is touring Europe to draw attention to the challenges faced by young refugees. Her journey is at the heart of a transnational theater project titled "The Walk."
Searching for her mother
Little Amal represents a fictional nine-year-old Syrian girl, embodying displaced children today. The giant puppet was created by the South Africa-based Handspring Puppet Company. "The Walk" tells Amal's life story, her search for her mother and flight to safety. Her journey begins in Turkey.
Amal at the Vatikan
"The Walk" highlights the plight of unaccompanied minors who have been forced flee. Little Amal's journey takes her to special places. Here, she is hugging Angels Unawares, a bronze statue by Timothy Schmalz. It was installed on St Peter's Square in the Vatican on the 105th World Migrant and Refugee Day in 2019.
Amal meets the Pope
Pope Francis welcomed Amal and a group of children on September 10, 2021, blessing them. Cardinal Michael Czerny, undersecretary of the Vatican's Migrants and Refugees Section, said refugee children are very vulnerable and in need of our help and hospitality.
Well-wishers everywhere
Wherever Amal arrives, she is met by throngs of well-wishers. Some show their support by holding up signs, other gift her flowers. Here, she is exploring Rome on September 12, 2021. Four puppeteers are needed to mover the giant figure.
Letters to the European Parliament
Claire Bejanin, who organized Amal's tour through several European countries, has called on "children from all over world to write letters for children like Amal and that we will bring to the European Parliament." The theater project plans to hand over 10,000 letters to the institution.
Milan becomes a giant stage
Often, theater performances involving Amal are staged once the giant puppet arrives in different European cities, like here in Milan. Incidentally: there is a man on stilts inside the puppet's frame, who controls her facial expressions with a complex system of strings.
Amal in Cologne
In early October, Amal reached the German city of Cologne. Once again, she was welcomed by crowds. Some supporters, dressed in festive attire, even attempted to dance with the larger-than-life puppet. Amal's next stop will be Belgium before traveling on to her final destination in Manchester, England.