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August 16, 2023 | Events,
Where Has Amal Walked?
Little Amal, the 12-foot puppet of a young Syrian refugee, has spent the last years on The Walk, an international journey with the goal of celebrating the stories of refugees and immigrants, as well as the communities that welcome them. In preparation for Amal’s arrival in Boston this September, let’s take a look at where she has been!
In July 2021, she began her walk for the very first time, starting in Turkey and traveling to Italy, Greece, France, Switzerland, Belgium, the UK, and Germany. Over 250 partners were involved in over 100 events across Europe, including at the Vatican with the Pope.
In following years, she walked through Poland, Ukraine, Canada, and the United States. In July 2023, Amal was welcomed at Olavsfest in Trondheim, Norway.
The Walk’s art director, Amir Nizar Zuabi, believes wholly in the mission of Little Amal, noting that “If we can change one person, it’s worth traveling 8,000 km.” When producers were putting the map route together, they wanted each location to have their own unique, symbolic importance. The events that took place in each location included video projections, open air performances, and close gatherings. The beginning and end of Amal’s walk in each region were carefully selected, in order to leave a piece of her behind from start to finish. In light of political sensitivities, COVID-19 guidelines, and constantly changing plans, The Walk was successful in each place it visited, with its art bringing people together.
On September 7, ArtsEmerson will help welcome Little Amal to the city of Boston, which will mark the beginning of her coast-to-coast journey across the United States from Massachusetts to California. On this route, she will travel over 6,000 miles and will stop in more than 35 cities. The Walk is free and open to the public. Visit the ArtsEmerson website to learn more.
For updates on Little Amal in Boston and her route, sign up for our mailing list and RSVP to our Facebook event.
This is so inspiring and we are so fortunate to be selected as on of the cities to have been chosen. Cincinnati, Ohio is rich in the Arts and is enriched even more by Amal gracing us with her presence. I hope all who see her are greatly affected by the experience.