The play Refuge Malja takes audience members who come to Portland Stage Company to the shores of Greece using screen projections and acting. Mohamed Abdalla is one of the actors who has a unique story of immigration.
Abdalla came to the United States from Sudan in 2015. A photographer for the Portland Press Herald was at the Portland Jetport when Abdalla first arrived in Maine. Reunited with his father, Haroun, whom he hadn't seen in five years. Since then, the 12-year-old has learned English, made friends at his new school and tried acting. Surprising himself and those he works with who hear his story of immigration.
"(He) was talking about how he was shy when he first got here," said Portland Stage Company executive director Anita Stewart. "I can not imagine 'Mo' ever being shy. He is such an outgoing kid and he's really game to try anything."
Refuge Malja is about the civil war in Syria and how refugees are fleeing to Greece in growing numbers: 43,000 in 2014 to 750,000 in 2015, according to the play's notes.
Abdalla plays the role of Waleed, a little boy separated from his family. His knowledge of Arabic and experience as a refugee made him the perfect boy to cast in the play.
"It's fun to do because it's great to do something when people are proud of you," said Abdalla. "You do something that people like, it's really nice."
Refuge Malja ran until the end of November. Portland Stage Company is now presenting A Christmas Carol until December 24th.