Last Updated on 28 October 2024 by Colette
This post features gifted experiences
It’s a few years since I read The Boy at the Back of the Class but as soon as I saw it was coming to The Lowry, I knew I wanted to see it!
The Boy at the Back of the Class is based on the book written by Onjali Q. Raúf and tells the story of Ahmet, a young Syrian refugee who joins a new school in England.
“There used to be an empty chair at the back of the class, but now a new boy called Ahmet is sitting in it. He’s nine years old (just like me), but he’s very strange. He never talks and never smiles and doesn’t like sweets – not even lemon sherbets, which are my favourite!“
The story of The Boy at the Back of the Class explores themes of friendship, empathy, and the refugee experience through the eyes of a group of schoolchildren who befriend Ahmet. Despite initial misunderstandings and prejudices from some of their peers, the main characters come together to help Ahmet reunite with his family and adjust to his new life in a foreign country.
Before the play, we were warned that there would be loud noises, smoke and the sound of bombs – with themes of racism, grief, loss and bullying. This story tackles some complex issues but this is done with sensitivity and balanced with moments of humour. Amy and I laughed out loud at points, but I was also left with tears streaming down my face by the end of the play. Whilst The Boy at the Back of the Class is officially recommended for children age 7+, Amy and I agreed it would be better to err on the side of caution and would suggest 9+ is a better age – of course you know your child best!
Amy told me that whilst she had enjoyed the book, it hadn’t got to her in the same way as watching it on stage did. She explained that when she’s reading she sometimes finds it hard to visualise things so seeing The Boy at the Back of the Class performed in front of her had far more impact.
During the drive home we talked about the value of reading books and seeing plays in terms of teaching us about different people’s experiences – about how Brandon the Bully’s racist and discriminatory behaviour was learned from the example his Dad has set him and that we needed to constantly model kindness and work to understand and value people’s differences. As Alexa explained in the play, different isn’t bad, it’s just different.
Through heartfelt storytelling and relatable characters, “The Boy at the Back of the Class” educates the audience about the plight of refugees and the importance of kindness and understanding. It addresses complex issues like racism in a sensitive and accessible way, encouraging empathy and compassion towards those who may be different from ourselves.
“The Boy at the Back of the Class highlights the power of friendship and kindness in a world that doesn’t always make sense and reminds us that everyone needs a place to call home.”
Watch this stunning performance, feel all the emotions and be ready for some important conversations with your children after the fact.
The Boy at the Back of the Class runs at The Lowry from Tuesday 26th March to Friday 30th March 2024 – tickets are available here.
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