On the clay ground, children gathered on mats waiting for the performance to begin No curtains in front of them, no lights, no stage Their camp, lacking even basic services, did not provide them with these essentials But behind a simple wooden panel, with a few drawings attached and a small window opened, the puppets appeared to tell them a story that carried them away from their reality for a while

Warplanes are still heard in the skies of Idlib and shells carrying death and destruction continue daily despite the "ceasefire" agreement since March sixth, 2020 in the area inhabited by more than two million displaced and uprooted people lacking adequate services and means of livelihood Yet no seat is empty in the cultural center hall in the city when the play begins

Theater as an expressive art offers various performances for adults and children, in halls or outdoors It has not been forgotten in Idlib nor lost its audience Rather, it has taken on new platforms and methods through the efforts of those who love it and chose to use it despite lack of support and the conditions of war

Enab Baladi sheds light in this feature on theater in Idlib during the war What is its position, what is its impact, and how does it compare to other Syrian regions The article met with several theater practitioners, experts, and officials who shared their experiences and each told their story