When it comes to magic, Harry Potter is not a fictional character. He can work miracles in the real world as was demonstrated in Dubai last week.
Seven-year-old Kaylen Hashemian was shaking before he stepped on stage in the role of the boy wizard. "My tummy feels ticklish, but it's a good ticklish," Kaylen said. "The first time it was scary, but I just drank some water to ease the nerves."
Many adults will know the same feeling of a bout of nervousness before a public speaking event. Maybe they are not about to confront all the evils of the magical world, but more than one boss bears a passing resemblance to "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named".
Adults, and children too, should know that confidence in social settings is a skill that can be learnt. As The National reports today, the organisation Drama Dubai has started casting children in theatrical performances with the explicit goal of helping them to become more outgoing.
The imagination is, we have it on good authority, more important than knowledge. At least Albert Einstein thought so. But whether it's theoretical physics or prestidigitation, we're confident that the stage can open new horizons for kids like Kaylen.
