Little Amal is coming to the end of her 6,000 mile journey – and she’s taking her last steps in San Diego! Read on to find out more about the story of little amal, and how you can support her journey.
Amal is a 12-foot puppet of a young Syrian refugee, created in 2021 as part of an ambitious art piece created by Handspring Puppet Company and Good Chance Theater. Since her journey began over two years ago, Amal has become a widely recognized symbol of human rights.
Amal has already completed a journey which began on the Syria-Turkey border, venturing across Europe and completing her journey in the U.K. Now, she is coming to the end of another major expedition, which began in Boston on September 7, 2023.
This week, Amal will reach the end of the U.S. portion of her international walk. She has visited 40 towns and cities throughout the U.S., and will be crossing into Mexico on November 6. You can follow Amal’s journey across the United States here.
We invite you to join Amal as she concludes her time in the U.S., and encourage you to explore upcoming events on the Walk With Amal website.
Events with Amal are always free.
Amal requires four puppeteers to bring her to life, and took a team of talented designers to build her intricate yet robust structure. You can find out more about the making of Amal here.
Amal in San Diego
Step into my world
Date: 3 Nov 2023
Local Start Time: 6:30pm
Location: The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park
“Amal steps into a world of mesmerizing wonder when she is treated to a very special performance by the puppetry troupe Animal Cracker Conspiracy.
In partnership with San Diego Symphony and Animal Cracker Conspiracy.”
Take a message from me
Date: 4 Nov 2023
Local Start Time: 11:00am
Location: Living Rooms at the Border, 114 W Hall, San Diego, CA 92173
“Amal arrives in San Ysidro, a border neighborhood in San Diego, to collect a message for migrant families living across the border in Tijuana. She walks through the UCSD-CASA Community Station welcomed by the local community and a parade of dancers, musicians and students.
In partnership with UCSD Center on Global Justice, Casa Familiar, UCSD Department of Theater and Dance, Friends of Friendship Park.”
Step outside the lines
Date: 4 Nov 2023
Local Start Time: 2:00pm
Location: Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
“La Jolla Playhouse will take Amal on a joyous adventure in San Diego to celebrate the power of theatre and the city’s rich cultural diversity.
In partnership with La Jolla Playhouse’s Without Walls program.”
Amal and Sueños
Date: 4 Nov 2023
Local Start Time: 5:00pm
Location: Chicano Park, Corner of National Ave & Dewey Street
“Exhausted from the commotion of the day, Amal is caught between wakefulness and sleep. She can’t believe her eyes when magical creatures appear… Is she still dreaming?
In partnership with Imagine Brave Spaces, Monarch School Performance Ensemble, Voices of Our City Choir, Majdal Center and Chicano Park Steering Committee.”
Washed Ashore
Date: 4 Nov 2023
Local Start Time: 6:00pm
Location: South Mission Beach
“Amal is yearning to play with other children at the beach when she discovers the remnants of cherished belongings that have been washed ashore.
As she listens to the sea, she thinks about the millions of refugee children across the world, who, like her, are searching for a better life.
In partnership with Blindspot Collective, Students Rebuild, ArtPower at UC San Diego and Medecins Sans Frontieres – Doctors Without Borders.”
Angie Gomez says
Amal, came to Pasadena California and it was an awesome event.