“It was such a thrill to be a part of such a large project— I’ve never worked with a world-famous 12-foot tall puppet before! As a lead artist, I was responsible for dramaturging the experience, selecting and populating the parade route, curating and placing artists and events, logistics and guiding. As Common Boots Theatre, we also had to come up with an experience along the route. I’m so happy I got to work with Jennifer Brewing (Globe Theatre, Regina), as well as Luminato and the amazing Walk With Amal team. It’s rare to get the opportunity to work on such a massive, public scale and it was awe-inspiring to have such a larger-than-life protagonist, a tugboat as a character, and thousands of public spectators take part. It was a very emotional experience and so gratifying when Amal was able to actually board the tugboat (something we weren’t sure could happen until that day!). ” — Derek
Farewell Little Amal: Tkaronto bids farewell to their new friend when Little Amal leaves our shores to continue her search for her mother. Encouraged by dancers, musicians, wise words, sweet songs and even tiny puppets, she departs across Lake Ontario – may fair winds fill her sails.
The Walk Productions and Luminato Festival Toronto in association with Handspring Puppet Company
Walk with Amal: Waterfront
Community Partners Common Boots Theatre and Globe Theatre (Regina) & Lead Artists Derek Kwan and Jennifer Brewin
June 11, 2023 6PM
Music Garden, 479 Queens Quay W, Toronto
Community Partners and:
Common Boots Theatre, Globe Theatre (Regina), Baque de Bamba, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières, NAWA (Arabic Women’s Choir), Sabbara, TallBeat, Waterfront Toronto, Waterfront BIA