THE Cat man of aleppo

Adapted for the stage by Karim Shamsi-Basha
From the Caldecott Award winning book by Irene Latham and Karim Shamsi-Basha
Directed by Meryem Tunagur-Williams

Friday, September 26th
Saturday, September 27th
at the BCT Theatre, located in the BJCC
(1001 19th St N)

Join us for a staged reading of a powerful new play created for young audiences.

The Cat Man of Aleppo is a true story that follows Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, an ambulance driver who chooses to stay in war-torn Syria to care for the people and the animals left behind. As the war displaces families and leaves the streets empty, Alaa begins to notice the growing number of stray and hungry cats. He starts feeding and sheltering them, eventually creating a sanctuary that brings hope and kindness to a devastated city. This heartwarming story highlights compassion, resilience, and the power of small acts of love—even in the darkest times.

Experience the magic of a story in progress—one that crosses borders, cultures, and generations. This reading is part of our commitment to developing bold, diverse, and international voices in theatre for young people. And YOUR feedback will help make this show ready for the stage! Be among the first to witness a new work take shape and lend your presence to its journey.

Suggested Donation: $10
This project was previously supported by the National Endowment for the Arts before our grant was suddenly and surprisingly cancelled. Your contribution helps fuel the development of new plays, support emerging artists, and bring inclusive, global stories to the stage.

✨ Why it matters:
New play development is the lifeblood of a vibrant, relevant theatre. When we support fresh voices and global perspectives, we expand the imaginations of young audiences and create a stage that reflects the world they live in. Come support the future of theatre, one story at a time!

BCT’S MASK POLICY

BCT’s Mask Policy for the 2022-2023 season will follow closely the recommendations set forth by the CDC based on COVID-19 Community Levels. When Jefferson County is at a HIGH level of community spread, masks will be required of all patrons in the Wee Folks Theatre and Playspace as well as for participants in classes; and, masks will be highly encouraged in the MainStage Theatre. We wish to avoid any outbreaks in the organization because a significant portion of our workforce, specifically our onstage artists, work without the benefit of masks. Behind the scenes, we will continue to follow strict protocols to keep our shows on stage and to create a safe work environment for artists and staff.