Fahad and the Little Theatre
A fictional Saudi Doll story to read together or enjoy at your own pace.
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Chapter 1 of 4
Fahad wanted to put on a show for his family in Diriyah. He drew an imaginary house on an empty box, and his father helped cut the theatre opening. Fahad tied a little curtain on each side and attached a paper bird to a rounded craft stick.
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Full story transcript
Fahad wanted to put on a show for his family in Diriyah. He drew an imaginary house on an empty box, and his father helped cut the theatre opening. Fahad tied a little curtain on each side and attached a paper bird to a rounded craft stick.
At the first rehearsal the bird’s wing caught in the doorway. When Fahad turned it, its head disappeared and only its tail faced an audience of two cushions. He laughed, then frowned. He had drawn wide wings so the bird could fly, not hide behind cardboard.
His sister brought the desk lamp, and their father set it securely in place. The bird’s shadow appeared on the paper behind the opening. Fahad moved the stick slowly; the shadow sailed above the house without needing the door. His sister suggested a story about a bird looking for somewhere to rest.
During the show Fahad told the story while his sister moved the curtains. The bird’s shadow rested beside a paper window, and the family applauded. Afterwards Fahad added his sister’s name beside his on the programme. The theatre was different from his plan, and the story now belonged to both of them.