Marjan, der letzte Löwe Afghanistans (8+)

In the organizer's words:

The young lion was two years old when he was brought to Afghanistan as a gift from Germany in 1978. Because of his uniqueness and beauty, his keepers affectionately call him "Marjan" (Persian for "coral"). Kabul Zoo is one of the most beautiful zoos in the region, an oasis of abundance and peace in the middle of the city. Marjan grows up admired by everyone. Together with his lioness Chucha and his keeper Sher Agha, Marjan leads a happy life.

But just one year later, war breaks out in Afghanistan - the lives of the zoo's animals change abruptly and soon Marjan the lion also has to feel the terrible effects of the long war. He experiences the occupation of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union, the civil war and finally the Taliban's reign of terror. He experiences injury, famine, injustice and humiliation - and yet he never gives up.

The touching life story of Marjan the lion, which is about love and bravery in difficult times, is told here for children and families with humor and poetry. Serious topics such as war, famine, justice and freedom are brought closer to children and adults in this play with love and sensitivity.

A production by the Compagnie HDH - Hasards d'Hasards (FR).

Director: Mélanie Depuiset
Text: Guilda Chahverdi
Music: Julie Rousse
Stage design: Anaïde Nayebzadeh
Actors/puppeteers: Abdul Haq Haqjoo, Farhad Yaqubi
Design and production of the puppets: Abdul Haq Haqjoo, Farhad Yaqubi
Lighting design: Mathieu L'Haridon
Technology: Guillaume Ohrel

The performances can be realized with the support of the Goethe-Institut.