By Rana Nazzal
The Al-Ghurbal Theatre overcame their initial stage fright to present one of the most unusual performances at the Jerash Festival on Thursday 27th July to a small, but enthusiastic audience of sixty-three children and twenty-three adults. Perhaps over-awed by their strange and impressive surroundings, the group began with break-neck speed but soon relaxed as Tha'aloub the fox, and his friend Senna, danced and sang their way through an educational four-part story.
The forty-five minute " sound and light " performance, based on a television program, was designed to teach four to ten year-olds the difference between right and wrong. One segment taught the children how to cross the road safely at traffic lights and zebra crossings. Songs, whose music and lyrics were written by members of Al Ghurbal group, reinforced the educational message at the end of each segment.
The music and actions helped to overcome any communication problems caused by the actors' Palestinian accent. The dynamic interactions between the group and their audience contributed greatly to the enjoyment and effectiveness of their performance. When, at the end of their action-packed performance, the group asked whether their audience had " enjoyed the show," their question was answered with a resounding "yes."
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
