The first Showbuilds

In response to the influx of Syrian refugees into Lebanon, Seenaryo began with two theatre projects: one with Syrian children in the Bekaa Valley and one with historically displaced Palestinian children in Shatila refugee camp. These were all-singing, all-dancing Showbuilds – plays created in the space of just one week – written and developed entirely by the participants themselves. From day one, Seenaryo was rooted in community-led storytelling, and Showbuilds remain the backbone of our work to this day.

  • Play in action

    Play is at the heart of all of Seenaryo’s work — and we take play seriously, using it as a powerful tool for learning, connection, and transformation.

  • Handmade costumes

    During Showbuilds, participants create their own costumes and sets with the support of our team of artists.

  • Village of Wonders

    Our Showbuild in the Bekaa Valley, Village of Wonders, told the story of a village whose water supply is cut off – until an unlikely duo, a dinosaur and an ant, team up to set things right.

  • Writing song lyrics

    Music is a big part of Showbuilds and as part of the creative process we lead activities that support participants to develop and write their own song lyrics, which they later perform.

  • The first Showbuild team

    Our first creative team was made up of our co-founders, a visiting musician from the UK, and a movement director and set designer based in Lebanon. Today all of our projects are 100% led by local communities.

  • Be Careful What You Wish For: the first ever Seenaryo show