Minnesota-based Somali playwright and performer Ifrah Mansour invites audiences on a heartfelt and imaginative journey through her childhood memories of the 1991 Somali civil war. Using humor and storytelling, she brings to life the perspective of a curious and resilient seven-year-old Somali girl, showing how even in the hardest times, children find ways to play, dream, and hope.

How to Have Fun in a Civil War is a one-act multimedia adventure that blends colorful puppetry, playful poetry, captivating videos, and real-life stories gathered from the community. Through this engaging and thought-provoking performance, young audiences will discover the power of storytelling, the strength of resilience, and the importance of kindness and understanding. Mansour’s work encourages children and families to explore history with empathy while embracing the power of imagination to heal and inspire.