Little Amal is a 12-foot puppet symbolizing a 10-year-old Syrian refugee girl who has traveled across 13 countries meeting more than a million people. This fall, she will journey 6,000 miles across the United States and join 1,500-plus artists at more than 100 artistic events across 35 towns and cities in one of the largest free public festivals ever created.
Little Amal—whose name means 'hope' in Arabic—began her journey from the Syrian border and carries a message of hope for displaced people everywhere, especially children. Her urgent message is simple – “don’t forget us.”
She is inspired by a character in Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson’s play The Jungle, about a refugee camp in Calais, France. The Walk 2021 was a co-production with Good Chance Theatre. Amal Walks Across America is produced by The Walk Productions in association with Handspring Puppet Company.
Dr. Philip Woodmore is leading the effort in St. Louis. He’s coordinating performances by the new Little Amal STL Mass Choir, along with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, COCA, and the Muny. There will also be members of the St. Louis Police Department Choir to welcome Little Amal through song, along with dancers from Megan Buckley’s studio, Studio Pointe.
Woodmore has also composed an original song called Heartland, “a folk music-like song which offers a message of welcome to Amal and pride for our great city.”
Join us Saturday, October 1 at 12:30 p.m. on the Grand Staircase on the riverfront just beyond the Arch grounds. We will welcome Little Amal, witness these performances, and celebrate the contributions of newcomers and the importance of being a welcoming community.