Birthday party on the street where every Arab child grew up
As “Sesame Street” celebrates its 50th anniversary, many Arabs are looking back on the influence that the show had on them throughout their childhood, particularly the Arabic version, “Iftah Ya Simsim,” which began 40 years ago.
“I grew up watching both Sesame Street and Iftah Ya Simsim,” said Ammar Sabban, a 40-year-old Saudi who spent his first three years in the US. “I was mesmerized by how these characters functioned and I was intrigued by their mechanism. I always wanted to be a part of that world and try to see it for myself.”
His curiosity was so strong that it drew the former architect toward being a part of the Arabic show. As a result, two years ago Sabban started giving life to Cookie Monster, Grover, Burt and the Count as captain puppeteer, while assuming the role of creative content director at Bidaya Media.
“I’m living out my childhood dream,” he said. “Being part of the team and creating it came full circle because I spent most of my time watching these cartoons. I feel I am helping to create the same things I used to watch for younger generations.”
It all began in the US in 1969, when colorful muppets were created to teach young children in a playful manner, while preparing them for school. Ten years later, in 1979, “Iftah Ya Simsim” was born as the Arabic version of the show, which aired in 22 Arabic-speaking countries. Although it was pulled off the air in 1990 after the outbreak of the Gulf War, its new series started in September 2015, with the present show led by the Abu Dhabi Education Council, Twofour54, the Arab Bureau of Education for the Gulf States and Bidaya Media.
“Iftah Ya Simsim was a really exciting part of my day when I was child,” said Ruba Awni, a 31-yearold Palestinian who grew up in Jordan. “I felt like I was going to another place where fun and imagination would run free. I always thought that they lived in a real neighborhood nearby.”
Awni said Anis and Badr — also known as Bert and Ernie on “Sesame Street” — were her favorite characters. “I loved them then and I still love them today,” she said. “I remember when my dad would keep telling me stories about them, and how Anis was the smart one and Badr was the silly one. I even watched all the new episodes with my children — it’s amazing to watch it in HD, but the older version will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Created by Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett, “Sesame Street” has had a massive impact on children and adults alike.
Since its comeback in the Middle East, the show has now entered its third season. For Sabban, “Iftah Ya Simsim” is all about fun learning — a crucial point for him, as he grew up loathing school. “I still hate school,” he joked. “But at the same time, I love learning, and these shows educated and entertained me simultaneously. I found out about the entertainment aspect first, then the educational part without knowing.”
“I love to teach and analyze but not in the traditional way,” he said. “I tried to do it, and I wasn’t happy with it, so I felt that this is maybe my way. Being able to write and perform comedy, and educate at the same time is a trifecta.”
Over the years, he was able to share his passion for the show with his three children. “I used to sit and watch shows with them, and do the voices,” he said. “But never in