When Aysha Abdulsalam arrived in Dunedin from Syria with her family last year, she was amazed at all the opportunities to try so many new things.
One of those things was drama.
Like most teenagers the world over, the 14-year-old said she loved dressing up and pretending to be other people.
So when her family saw an advertisement for actors to audition for a local pantomime, she decided to give it a go - but not without some support.
That came in the form of friend and fellow Syrian immigrant Mariam Shahoud (15).
Both attended the audition, and Mariam thought, ``well as long as I am here, I will audition too''.
And before they knew it, they were part of the cast for Carol Krueger Children's Theatre production of Alice Through the Looking Glass.
Director Carol Krueger said they were ``absolutely wonderful'' and she welcomed them with open arms.
She was even more delighted when three of Aysha and Mariam's younger siblings came along to the first rehearsal and asked to be in the show too.
She thought, ``the more, the merrier'', and set about creating more roles and making more costumes.
``I was just thrilled to have them.
``They're still learning English, but their ability, especially the little ones, is amazing.
``This is the first pantomime that they've ever been in and they're like naturals.
``Their grasp of the English language has really come on. It's just - wow.
``I'm so excited to be part of it.''
Mrs Krueger said not only was the show a great way for the newcomers to learn English and settle into their new lives, it was great for Dunedin children in
the cast to learn about Syrian culture.
The show opens at the King's and Queen's High School Performing Arts Centre at 11am tomorrow, and will be repeated at 11am on Friday.
