Louse and Lice

Louse and Lice
November 11, 2019
husamkaloti by husamkaloti

The Freedom Theatre Production (2019)
Written by: Milad Ghalib
Directed by: Ahmed Tobasi
Performed by: Samah Mahmoud & Khalil Al-Batran
Scenography: Fairouze Nastas
Music: Hassan Sheikh
Lighting & Set Execution: Ahmed Matahen
Sound Engineering: Sami Al-Sadi
Photography & Media: Mohammed Moawia
Producer: Mustafa Sheta

About the Play

Louse and Lice is a playful, fast-paced children’s production that tackles one of the simplest yet most essential topics in a child’s daily life: personal hygiene.

Through humor, music, movement, and physical theatre, the story follows two mischievous lice who invade the hair of a young girl named Lina. Their journey into Lina’s unwashed hair becomes an imaginative way to highlight the importance of keeping one’s body clean, especially the hair, and how neglecting hygiene allows bacteria, dirt, and parasites to thrive.

Blending comedy with education, the performance offers young audiences a fun, engaging reminder that caring for their bodies is part of staying healthy and strong.

Concept and Artistic Approach

The play uses a highly visual and rhythmic style designed to capture children’s attention:

  • Comedic character work through the two parasite characters.
  • Musical sequences recorded at the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music in Ramallah.
  • Dynamic movement and dance-inspired scenes to make hygiene concepts easy and enjoyable to understand.
  • Interactive storytelling that encourages children to reflect on their own daily habits.

Despite its light tone, the play delivers a clear message about the consequences of ignoring hygiene, especially when it comes to hair care and hand-washing.

Performance History

Louse and Lice premiered at The Freedom Theatre’s Ramadan Cultural Events 2019 in Jenin Refugee Camp.
Since then, it has toured extensively across historic Palestine, performing in:

  • Schools
  • Kindergartens and children’s centres
  • Community theatres, including Al-Saraya Theatre in Yaffa and Al-Hakawati Theatre in Jerusalem

The production remains one of The Freedom Theatre’s most beloved children’s plays for its ability to educate through humour, imagination, and playful physical storytelling.

Themes

  • Personal hygiene
  • Self-care and responsibility
  • Health awareness for children
  • Creative learning through theatre

Target Audience

Children aged 5–12, families, teachers, and youth centres.

Duration

Approx. 30 minutes.