Bigfooter and professional puppeteer Emma Longthorne has just returned from a 9 week tour across the USA walking with Little Amal. Little Amal is a 12 foot tall puppet of a 10 year old Syrian refugee child who, in 2021, embarked on a journey across Turkey and Europe in search of safety and a new home. Since then, she has become a global symbol for human rights and has been welcomed in 15 different countries carrying with her the important message ‘don’t forget about us.’
Amal means ‘hope’ and she represents all displaced children around the world. Emma is one of 12 puppeteers that operates Little Amal who has become a global symbol of hope. You can read more about The Walk with Amal HERE.
We are delighted that Emma is one of Bigfoot’s World Friendship Ambassadors, who also share Amal’s story with schools across the UK in our Think Simple, Act Big! programme. The programme consists of an inspiring 30 minute whole school assembly, following which classes are invited to participate in more specific sessions to further understand what compassion is and how this relates to refugees, along with how empathy can be tangibly realised through ‘Simple Acts’ of kindness. Read more about Think Simple, Act Big! HERE.
Emma also delivers puppetry masterclasses with Bigfoot, where pupils and staff learn more about the art form and have the opportunity to make and learn how to manipulate their own puppets. Emma visited St Luke’s Primary School in Newham earlier this term who were thrilled with the workshop Emma delivered with their pupils:
Just wanted to say how amazing and inspirational the workshop was today. Such a simple idea but so profoundly taught and executed. You’ve encouraged us to rethink the way we teach drama, especially for our neurodivergent learners who can now act “through” a puppet rather than the spotlight being on them…Such a clever and well-thought-through workshop. We’ll use this approach across our topics now to bring our subjects to life.
PUPPETRY MASTERCLASS (Download PDF)
Emma has some dates available for next term, so please CONTACT US to discuss how she can visit your school.