Little Amal, a 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian child, is making her way across the US in a journey to highlight the plight of refugees looking for a home

Elias ChavezSep 13, 2023, 20:54 IST

Amal greets a child on top of her parents shoulders.Insider/Elias Chavez

Little Amal represents a 10-year-old Syrian refugee spreading a message of hope and solidarity.
The 12-foot puppet began her American tour this week.

Little Amal, a 12-foot-tall puppet depicting a 10-year-old Syrian refugee, made her debut in Boston last week for the beginning of her US tour.

Amal's journey, produced by The Walk Productions, hopes to spread a message of solidarity.

Little Amal originally journeyed from Syria across Europe to Manchester, England. She traveled over 5,592 miles through 15 different countries.

As Little Amal makes her way across the United States, she and her team will partner with over 1,000 artists and arts organizations and create more than 100 free public events.

The Walk Productions was founded by David Lan, a long-time theater producer, and Tracey Seaward, an English film producer.

Amal means "hope" in Arabic. The aim of her journey through the US is to bring attention to issues surrounding immigration.

Amal and children put on a performance.Elias Chavez/Insider

The 12-foot-tall puppet was constructed by the Handspring Puppet Company, an organization based out of South Africa.

Amal shakes hands with an onlooker.Hesther Ng/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Little Amal is controlled by a rotating cast of puppeteers. Two people control the arms and hands, and one puppeteer is inside the body.

Amal stands amongst a gathering crowd.Mark Kerrison/In Pictures via Getty Images

The concept of Amal came to Lan after he helped produce "The Jungle," a play that follows the lives of refugees living in a migrant camp.

Little Amal stands in a tunnel during a parade in London.Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

The Walk Productions wanted her story to be represented poetically.

Amal walks through a field accompanied by children.Matt Cardy for Glastonbury Festival via Getty Images

In 2021, Little Amal kicked off her European tour.

Little Amal says hello to patrons of a cafe in Turkey.Mehmet Akif Parlak/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Now, she has started a new journey across the US, beginning in Boston.

Little Amal, the 12-foot-tall puppet, arrives on a schooner.Brian Snyder/Reuters

Amal was welcomed to Boston by an intertribal singing and dancing group.

Little Amal is welcomed by Neesh La, an intertribal singing and dancing group.Brian Snyder/Reuters

Little Amal and The Walk Productions have also partnered with arts programs.

Little Amal makes her journey through Boston.Brian Snyder/Reuters

In mapping out Amal's path, The Walk Productions also considered other significant journeys and treks made throughout US history.

Little Amal surrounded by fanfare in Boston.Brian Snyder/Reuters

Since Amal represents a 10-year-old girl, her mission also emphasizes the education and engagement of children.

A child on her parents shoulders holds a sunflower and watches as Amal walks by.Elias Chavez/Insider

The Walk Productions hopes that those who interact with Amal will imagine how they would react if a 10-year-old refugee arrived at their doorstep.

A photo of somebody waiting with their hands behind their back holding a sunflower, waiting for Amal.Elias Chavez/Insider

Amal also has stops planned for cities including Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, Memphis, Atlanta, New Orleans, Austin, and Los Angeles. Her final stop will be in San Diego.

A photo of Amal surrounded by hundreds of supporters and onlookers.Elias Chavez/Insider

Amal also has stops planned for cities including Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, Memphis, Atlanta, New Orleans, Austin, and Los Angeles. Her final stop will be in San Diego.

With each visit, Amal will take part in events specific to the local community's history and traditions.

Amal engages in a performance with members of Harvard University Committee on the ArtsElias Chavez/Insider

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Little Amal, a 12-foot puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian child, is making her way across the US in a journey to highlight the plight of refugees looking for a home

Amal means "hope" in Arabic. The aim of her journey through the US is to bring attention to issues surrounding immigration.

The 12-foot-tall puppet was constructed by the Handspring Puppet Company, an organization based out of South Africa.

Little Amal is controlled by a rotating cast of puppeteers. Two people control the arms and hands, and one puppeteer is inside the body.

The concept of Amal came to Lan after he helped produce "The Jungle," a play that follows the lives of refugees living in a migrant camp.

The Walk Productions wanted her story to be represented poetically.

In 2021, Little Amal kicked off her European tour.

Now, she has started a new journey across the US, beginning in Boston.

Amal was welcomed to Boston by an intertribal singing and dancing group.

Little Amal and The Walk Productions have also partnered with arts programs.

In mapping out Amal's path, The Walk Productions also considered other significant journeys and treks made throughout US history.

Since Amal represents a 10-year-old girl, her mission also emphasizes the education and engagement of children.

The Walk Productions hopes that those who interact with Amal will imagine how they would react if a 10-year-old refugee arrived at their doorstep.

Amal also has stops planned for cities including Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, Memphis, Atlanta, New Orleans, Austin, and Los Angeles. Her final stop will be in San Diego.

With each visit, Amal will take part in events specific to the local community's history and traditions.