Children’s theatre at Ramadan Book Fair a big hit

Doha: The Children’s Theatre at the first Ramadan Book Fair in Souq Waqif is a big hit among young people. 

On its first two days, a full house has been seen where children accompanied by their parents enjoy the puppet show presented by Al Jisra theatre. The show will be held during the stretch of the fair from 9:15pm onwards, this is aside from the contests and competitions made especially for children.

The Peninsula talked to parents of the children who attended the first and second days of the puppet show and they expressed their amusement and gladness as their kids enjoyed an almost one hour show. 

Arian Alarcon who has a one year old son Timothy Bran said coming and seeing the show is a first time for her first-born. “My son is so ecstatic as he watch the puppet show, this is his first time seeing a puppet show and it’s very beautiful to see him still experiencing this kind of activity even we are bombarded with all of the gadgets.” 

Riza Sotomango who has two young daughters said the show was “superb.” 

“I myself don’t remember when was the last time I watched a puppet show, this kind of activity which is part of the Ramadan Book Fair is a great avenue for kids to enjoy as the Ministry created programmes specially for the kids. My kids were thrilled and really focused watching the show.”

A father of three, Roderick Toralba said the Children’s theatre bring wonder and excitement to his kids. 

“The stage was perfectly set-up next to the book fair area, after shopping around books, you can watch the puppet show which is free for everyone, both young and old. It’s also a perfect timing as the weather is not too cold nor too warm, a great time and place to be spending with my family while the kids enjoy the programme.”

Aside from the said activity, various seminars and art workshops are likewise taking place. 

The Ramadan Book Fair is distinctive as it spotlights books on religion as the country is celebrating the holy month of Ramadan.

The book fair organised by the Ministry of Culture, and represented by Qatar Cultural and Heritage Events is aimed to promote a culture of reading in the country. It will run until April 16, from 8pm to 12 midnight and is located at the western side of Souq Waqif. 

Thirteen local publishing houses joined for the first edition of the event along with 35 publishers from nine countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, India and Australia. 

The Ramadan Book Fair is an extension of the Doha International Book Fair which was conducted in January and ran for 10 days. 

Organisers plan that it will be an annual event considering the high turnout of it, meanwhile, for the succeeding editions, they said they will add more programmes and activities.