"Amouna and the Ring": knowledge triumphs over ignorance

The play, "Amouna and the Ring," was written, directed, and performed by Saber Rajab, and featured performances by Raneem, Farah, Abdullah Butti, Issa Al Mazrouei, Mohammed Yasser, and others. 

The story 

"Amouna and the Ring" tells the story of a bright and energetic schoolgirl who, one day, oversleeps and misses the school bus. Forced to walk, she chooses a secluded path to reach her first class on time. There, she encounters a wicked witch with whom Amouna's father, a scholar, has an old grudge. Twenty years prior, he stole her magic, and the witch seeks revenge, destroying everything in her path, as is the way of evildoers who despise all that is beautiful in this world. 

Amouna disappears underground due to magic, where she meets the kind sorcerer Harmoush and his magician assistant. Together, they work to defeat the wicked witch, aided by Amouna's father, who, through his wisdom, finds a way to rid the world of her evil presence and restore harmony, safety, and peace to the city. 

Spontaneous acting 

The show was distinguished by its spontaneous acting and numerous humorous moments that delighted the children. The diverse stage sets, which served the directorial vision and added to the audience's joy, were also noteworthy. Furthermore, the costumes and makeup were the stars of the show, enhancing the characters' depth and clarifying the events of the scenes. "Amouna and the Ring" also introduced several new faces who confidently took to the stage and captivated the audience. 

Messages 

The show conveyed several important messages for children, most notably the emphasis on knowledge and its role in the development of the individual and society. It also highlighted the father's role in protecting his family and children, portraying him as their support, source of security, and strength. Additionally, it emphasised the importance of friendship, reminding viewers that no one can live in isolation, no matter how strong they may seem, and that friends should not allow anyone to sow discord and create problems between them. 

The lighting for "Amouna and the Ring" was designed by Khaled Bashir, the set design was by Fares Jadawi, the costumes and makeup were by Svetlana Rasulovna, the sound was done by Ahmed Hourani, and the expressive dances were choreographed by Karam Abu Qassem, who also set the rhythm for the groups that included Mohamed Nour, Khaled Kamali, Haitham, Mohamed Hesham, Mohamed Nasr, Abdullah Abdel Salam, and others.