It’s a land that few of us know much about. A place families have fled to find new lives and escape the war. Syria is also a country where beauty, music, language and culture have flourished. The last description of her homeland is what Rana Mustafa wants the rest of the world to know about. She came to Saskatoon one year ago. “I want people to know about my life in Syria with family, the kids, the food and music, especially music.”

Mustafa is one of the players in Sum Theatre’s The Woodcutter and the Lion. Based on a Syrian folk tale, it tells the story of a Woodcutter who is forced by drought to travel to an island where a dangerous lion lives to find wood. Sum Theatre worked closely with Mustafa to stay true to the language, culture, music and dance of Syria. “We are asking newcomers to tell their own story and weaving it into a larger theatrical piece to celebrate their culture,” says director Kelli Fox. “This is about Syrian people, who they are, not the terrible circumstances they come from.”

 “This is about Syrian people, who they are, not the terrible circumstances they come from.”

The show, which just opened, is what the public has come to expect from Theatre in the Park. The puppetry, music and audience participation have become hallmarks of the summer theatre tradition and the one hour show is geared to the whole family.

Mustafa says this show can help people see a different side to her country. “When I tell people where I come from, they are always sad for me, they don’t have any other idea about my home.” She explains, “Now with this play, we can tell people that in Syria we have a long history of civilization and culture.”

“This is a story about acceptance, gratitude and embracing new people,” says Fox. “We want our performance to be a joyful celebration of our community. We want people to walk out of the park singing Arabic songs and knowing that the Syrian people have a lot to offer our community.”

Theatre in the Park runs in Saskatoon’s community parks throughout the month of July.

Click here for a full schedule.