RIYADH, 27 May 2008 — The Children’s Club, in collaboration with SANAD Society for Children With Cancer, ended a recent play, entitled “A Thousand Cranes,” with a poignant message for peace.
The play, which was held to raise money for SANAD, was attended by US Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ford Fraker, President of Al-Yamamah College Dr. Ahmed Al-Eissa and SANAD Educational Program Supervisor Alia Hussein Agha.
“A Thousand Cranes” is the true story of Sadako, a two-year-old Japanese girl who, although survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, was diagnosed with “radiation sickness” at the age of 12.
During her illness, Sadako takes to heart an ancient Japanese legend that if a sick person folds 1,000 paper origami cranes, he or she will be granted a wish. Sadako begins folding 1,000 paper cranes; however, before she is able to complete the task, she is visited by her grandmother who carries her on the back of a crane to see other victims of the bomb. There, in that imaginary land, she meets her ancestors and learns that her wish will come true.
“I wish there will never be another bomb like that again,” was one of the most memorable quotes in the play.
“Being invited to such a play is a treat,” said Ambassador Fraker, who attended the event as honorary guest. “I encourage such events to take place in the Kingdom. I do believe that they can bridge gaps between cultures... I am very excited to attend.... I recommend people involve themselves in such activities,” he added.
The play’s director, Hope Lea Kiefner, said she is looking forward to repeating the experience. “We aim to enforce the culture of peace in world... We have to accept each other and live with each other,” she said.
The play was sponsored by Harvey Nichols, Al-Marai, Krispy Kreme, Premium Drinking Water and Al-Yamamah College, which played a major part in organizing the event.
