Strings that stitch Kuwait’s heritage

Kuwait City's Americani Cultural Center recently hosted a performance of the puppet play "Jammoul, Guardian of the Wall." This event, part of the 18th Cultural Summer Festival, offered a glimpse into Kuwait's past for young audiences.

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using puppets to tell children about social history transforms historical events, facts, and information about life in old Kuwait into an enjoyable visual experience.

The play transports viewers to a time before oil transformed the nation, when Kuwait City thrived as a coastal commercial hub. It highlights the importance of maritime trade and the vital role of camel caravans in the movement of goods and people.

Author Huda Al-Shawa explained that using puppets makes history accessible and enjoyable for children. She believes puppet characters help children connect with historical events, absorb social history, and understand human values. The performance also touches upon the significance of Kuwait's historic city wall and its gates in protecting the populace.

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Children tend to connect with puppet characters, empathize with them, and absorb the human values conveyed through their dialogue and the events.

The narrative follows young Jammoul, who takes on the responsibility of safeguarding goods during a journey with his parents and a camel driver, offering a relatable adventure for the children in attendance.

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Such theatrical performance helps them connect with their roots and their past and understand life in the present.