Source: Press city of Antwerp
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ALSO READ: Giantess Little Amal on her way to Antwerp, but first a visit to the Pope
In July, Little Amal started her journey of more than 8,000 kilometers through Europe. In every city she stops, she, together with the theater companies Good Chance and Handspring Puppet Company, draws attention to the plight of young refugees, who are often separated from their parents and family. The City of Antwerp, Atlas (integration and integration Antwerp), De Reuzen vzw, the Borgerhout district and hetpaleis provide a warm welcome in Antwerp in the form of an extensive program.
Little Amal recently visited the Pope. — © REUTERS
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Theater maker Hussein Al-Khalidi is the driving force behind Amal’s passage through Antwerp. He worked as an actor and director in Iraq until he fled to Belgium in 2015. Today he is an artistic collaborator at Madam Fortuna and collaborates with many other Antwerp theater and youth activities.
Kites full of dreams
The giantess rises Friday 8 October at 6.30 pm to Antwerp. The performing arts house hetpaleis is the first to draw attention to the story of little Amal.
Upon arrival at the Opera Square confronted with her loneliness and the memories of her mother, the young giantess until a parade of children and kites takes her to Theater Square. There, thanks to the Red Star Line museum, she receives a lucky charm that can strengthen her for the rest of her journey.
“When the kite takes off and gradually floats higher and higher, the child gets a euphoric feeling. He takes all her wishes and dreams with him into the air”, Al-Khalidi already gives a glimpse of the veil of that evening.
Partying with De Reuskens
on Saturday 9 October around 4.15 pm meet Little Amal De Reuskens van Borgerhout during the closing of the Giant Procession on the Moorkensplein. The procession leaves at 14u with more than 35 participating groups in the Garden District, passes along the Centers and Turnhoutsebaan and arrives at the district hall on Moorkensplein.
–Little Amal in the Greek capital Athens. — © AFP
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There, the four Reuskens will welcome Reuzin, Kinnebaba, Dolphin and Reus Amal with flowers and the traditional Giant Dance. As a thank you for the Borgerhout hospitality, she answers with the Syrian dance ‘dabke’ that she teaches the public. The Reuskens ask everyone who comes to Moorkensplein on Saturday 9 October to have a pbring some flower for the young giantess.
Atlas in the Square
In return for 17u Little Amal leaves for the Laar in Borgerhout for ‘Atlas op het Plein’, the annual meeting party of Atlas (integration and civic integration in Antwerp). During her walk on the Turnhoutsebaan she is accompanied by artistic birds from puppetbuskers De Wolk from Ghent.
In the atmosphere of the party, Little Amal will be musically received by a choir and musicians on the Laar. During this closing moment, Amal receives a parting gift from the city. To 18u she goes to sleep in the church on the Laar. Those who don’t want to go to bed yet can enjoy music and performances during ‘Atlas op het Plein’.
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