Children’s Theater Days Open in Damascus with Snow White
The Al-Hamra Theater in Damascus has officially launched the “Children’s Theater Days” event, organized by the Syrian Ministry of Culture and the Directorate of Theaters and Music. The opening ceremony drew a wide audience of children and their families, who gathered to witness the inaugural performance of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”
This interactive stage production, written by Hisham Kafarna and directed by Bassam Hamidi, presents a modern artistic and visual interpretation of the world-renowned classic tale. The event aims to enrich the cultural environment for Syrian children by offering content that balances entertainment with significant educational messages, with a particular emphasis on themes centered on the triumph of good over evil.
Director Bassam Hamidi utilized modern scenography, integrating digital graphics and technology with choreography and live music. This approach creates a visually immersive experience designed to capture the attention and imagination of contemporary young audiences. Hamidi emphasized that the production team dedicated months of intensive preparation and rehearsal to ensure a cohesive show, highlighting the importance of the theater as a platform for instilling fundamental human values.
Artist Fadi Al-Hamwi noted that the play, which has returned to the stage after a three-year hiatus, offers children an opportunity for direct engagement with a vibrant mix of colors, movement, and ideas. This interaction is intended to help build a positive visual and artistic memory for the younger generation.
Khoshnaf Zaza, an actor and theater director who performs the role of the “Bat” in the play, described the innovative visual treatment as a necessary step for engaging children in an era dominated by technology and social media. He explained that the production simplifies the conflict between good and evil through compelling artistic frameworks, making it easier for children to distinguish between ethical concepts and values.
The Children’s Theater Days event will continue with a diverse program of other theatrical works. The lineup includes “Aladdin and the Magic Lamp” and puppet shows such as “Asoula and the Penguins” and “The Snowman.” These performances will take place at both the Al-Hamra Theater and the Puppet Theater in Damascus. The initiative is part of a broader plan by the Syrian Ministry of Culture to support activities dedicated to children and to revitalize the national theatrical movement, ensuring the ongoing provision of meaningful cultural content that fosters the imagination and awareness of future generations in Syria.
