A Doll theater as knowledge and art tool against the war in Syria’s Saraqib
Idlib – North-Press Agency
“I believe in the theater, and in what I do in shelters and in destroyed areas, because a child who grows up in peace and culture of theater is stronger than a one who grows up on the sounds of missiles and barrels,” with these words Walid Rashid Shilash expressed his love for theater and his endeavor to convey what he believes in.
Walid Shilash, a 25-year-old young man from Saraqib, in the eastern countryside of Idlib, worked in the theater between 2008 and 2011 and won the first place in theatrics in Idlib governorate, his dream was to study at the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Damascus, but the war prevented that.
In 2013, he worked with the magical caravan theater group in which their focus was on psychosocial support for children in Saraqib and its countryside and Latakia’ countryside camp, through theatrical performance activities.
Later In 2018, he established a doll theater in which he presented shows for children on a weekly basis, that took place in the neighborhood he resides in, as well as in other neighborhoods, from time to time.
“I’ve created a doll theater and worked with the children who were born in 2011 and beyond, those who are guilty with nothing of the ongoing war,” Shilash told North-Press.
Walid explained that the importance of theatrical performances for children lies in “The ones I make in a comic way, that include educational presentations on honesty, intelligence and cleanliness and motivation to go to school, as I encourage them to work with me and help me to increase their self-confidence”.
He added that “Children at the time of war suffer the lack of intellectual, psychological and physical support, hence, the idea of doll theater was the best to educate, implant knowledge and guidance because once a child is born, it develops awareness cells in his mind that receive all kinds of arts”.
In this way, Walid helps children to acquire cognitive skills and knowledge through the stories of his performances, which he himself, plots some and takes others from local and international stories, to direct the children’s minds to science and culture and to plant a smile on their faces instead of war machines and what it does to children, society and life.
Walid makes his performances in his city and in other areas, as he saw a turnout of children and positivity of the people, despite being cautious at first, because of the tense security situation and the fears of bombings.
Furthermore, he managed to reach an IDP center on the Turkish border, where such activities are absent, “My shows were attended by a large number of them,” Walid said.
As for the tools used and the preparations made for the show, Walid said: “It consists of a wood board designed by a carpenter and a collection of dolls from second-hand shops, as for shadow plays characters, my friend, painter Haj Hussein, helps me painting them on the wood.”
He also expressed his desire to be joined by others who have passion for the theater, and he hopes he could make a theater group, to make full plays for adults and children.
The children of Saraqib, who attend the performances of Walid’s dolls theater, expressed their happiness and love to watch him as they asked for more.