Inspired by Mohammad AlFaraj’s Seas are sweet, fish tears are salty, this two-part workshop invites children and families to take part in an interactive and collective storytelling session, followed by costume-making.

The storytelling begins inside the artwork titled ‘Love is to leave the door to your heart ajar’ – a circle designed as a space for audiences to gather and share stories. Participants co-create a storyline by passing a storybook written by AlFaraj from hand to hand, each voice adding a new thread to an unfolding tale. The story, shaped through guided prompts, gradually unfolds into a collective parable. 

Participants then imagine and bring to life their own creatures, drawing inspiration from the multispecies and characters encountered in AlFaraj’s work. This workshop invites children to consider how to embody stories through play, creation and narration.

This workshop, led by Shamma Khoory is designed to spark your child’s imagination by nurturing and engaging creativity and freedom, supporting early childhood development.

No prior experience is needed, and all materials are provided. This workshop is free to attend and is suitable for individuals and families of all ages.

About Shamma

Shamma Khoory explores various ways of translating visual culture into written narratives and vice versa, experimenting with the interplay between image and text through writing and photography. In her role as an Engagement Assistant at Jameel Arts Centre, she expands this exploration through storytelling—inviting audience engagement within shifting spaces. In this workshop, she guides participants in embodying stories and inhabiting imaginative worlds, creating playful experiences of co-creation.