Syrian children prepare to watch Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea at the Grand Theatre, March 24, 2016. Photo by Kayley Leon. Syrian children prepare to watch Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea at the Grand Theatre, March 24, 2016. Photo by Kayley Leon.
London

Refugees Check Out The Grand Theatre

A group of Syrian refugees now calling London home got a chance to see what the city's culture has to offer. Fifty-eight refugees were treated to a performance of the Grand Theatre's production of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea on Thursday.

The performance was part of the Citizen Culture Program, which is a four month initiative undertaken by London's Arts and Heritage Councils, and gives the Syrian newcomers a chance to explore London's historic landmarks.

"It's just a cultural experience for people," says Monica Hodgson, sales and partnerships manager at the Grand Theatre. "The Grand is such as unique part of London's culture. So that's why we want to be a part of this for the newcomers, so they can get a pinch of the city to see. They'll be here for a pre-show talk, which is really nice."

Event co-ordinator Dhira Ghosh of the London Arts and Heritage Councils, says this encourages newcomers to learn about arts and heritage in London. She also says they had specific reasons for picking this production at the Grand.

"So we've picked a play where it's visually very captivating, visually engrossing," Ghosh says. "Even if they don't follow all the dialogue, looking at actions, looking at mulitmedia, they will be able to follow somewhat."

For some of the refugees, it was their first time seeing live theatre. But for one, it was something very familiar. Velid Gadi has had experience in the arts.

"He used to act in plays," says Abood, who was translating for Gadi. "He was in three plays before, back in his country."

Ghada Alhariri also came to the production with her children.

"She's happy and excited to see the play," Abood translated. "She came with her kids and all her friends."

The next stop for the Citizen Culture Program is in April at the London's Clay Arts Centre. **This story was written by Kayley Leon, a student in the Media, Theory, and Production program at Western University. Kayley is currently performing an internship with BlackburnNews.com**

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