by husamkalotiThe Freedom Theatre Production (2019)
Written by: Ghassan Kanafani
Directed by: Ahmed Tobasi
Performed by: Henna Haj Hassan, Ranin Odeh, Shahd Samara, Khalil Al-Batran, Motasem Abu Hasan, Ayman Hassanin, Ahmed Tobasi
Scenography & Set Design: Ahmed Matahen
Lighting: Adnan Naghnaghia
Sound Engineering: Sami Al-Sadi
Costumes: Dawlat Shaaban
Photography & Media: Mohammad Moawia
Producer: Mustafa Sheta
About the Play
The Little Lantern is a landmark children’s production, originally the first ever play produced by Juliano Mer Khamis under the name ‘Stone Theatre’, and a foundational work of The Freedom Theatre. Based on the novel by Ghassan Kanafani, the play teaches children the virtues of modesty, courage, and bridging the gaps between rich and poor.
The story follows a young princess whose father, a wise and honorable king, has passed away. In his final will, he instructs her that in order to ascend the throne, she must bring the sun into the castle. Determined, the princess embarks on a quest to accomplish this seemingly impossible task. She offers gems and rewards to anyone who can help, yet no one succeeds.
In despair, the princess retreats to her room, only to be inspired by the words of an old man carrying a small lantern. Gathering all the lantern-bearers of the kingdom, she discovers that the “sun” is not a single object but the collective light of many. By opening the castle walls to everyone, she realizes that unity, perseverance, and collaboration bring the kingdom’s vision to life.
Origins and Significance
The Little Lantern is a story by Ghassan Kanafani, a pioneer of Palestinian resistance literature. This theatrical adaptation, directed by Ahmed Tobasi, was the first children’s production created by the team that would become The Freedom Theatre. It embodies the Theatre’s long-standing mission to teach values, empower children, and cultivate a sense of community through storytelling and performance.
Since its debut at The Freedom Theatre in February 2019, the play has toured across the West Bank, including Ramallah and the Children’s Theatre Festival in Bethlehem, reaching children in schools, cultural centres, and theatres.
Artistic Approach
- Ensemble performance: Using storytelling, acting, and movement to bring the princess and the kingdom to life.
- Visual and imaginative staging: Scenography and lighting designed to create a magical, immersive world.
- Educational themes: Courage, collaboration, empathy, perseverance, and social justice.
- Children-focused: Engaging young audiences with accessible narrative and enchanting characters.
Themes
- Courage and perseverance
- Unity and collaboration
- Social equality and empathy
- Creativity and imagination
- Values and ethics for children
Target Audience
Children aged 6–12, families, and educational institutions.
Duration
Approximately 45 minutes.