About Coraline

Lantern Islamic Theater Company's 2026 Masjid Tours production of Coraline, an Islamic mystery-drama based on the 2002 critically acclaimed children's novel by Neil Gaiman, and the subsequent 2009 animated film by LAIKA studios, directed by Henry Selick. 

Coraline Jaleel - a young Muslim girl fed up with her boring, dull life, seeks solace in a new, better, other version of her world - including her other parents. Entrapped by the deception of this dunya, she battles for the lives of her parents, her friends, and her own. Guided by her remembrance of Allah (swt), Coraline is tasked with saving her loved ones against all the cards stacked against her. 

Lantern Islamic Theater's performance team is embarking on a tour across various U.S. masjids to present their one-act Islamic folktale, Coraline. 

Written by Mohamed Amin and adapted from Neil Gaiman's classic, this production is designed for audiences of all ages. Featuring an entirely Muslim youth cast, the play blends Islamic storytelling with creative artistry, aiming to inspire Muslim communities across the U.S. to embrace Islamic theater as a meaningful and innovative form of community engagement.

The play features a cast of 11 actors. The total run time is 50 minutes. 

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ quoting Prophet Yahya (ʿalayhis-salām) said, “I command you to remember Allah. Verily, the parable of that is a man who is being chased by his enemies, until he comes to an impenetrable fortress, where he protects himself from them. In the same way, a servant will not protect himself against Shaytan except by the dhikr of Allah” (Tirmidhī). 

Lantern Islamic Theater Company

Lantern Islamic Theater Company (LITC) is a pioneering 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, recognized as the first Muslim performing arts theater in the United States. Based in the Indianapolis-area, our organization provides a creative platform for Muslim actors and theater enthusiasts to explore their artistic potential within the framework of Islamic values. LITC’s mission is to create a safe, accommodating, and inclusive environment where Muslim youth can express themselves artistically, offering halal entertainment that resonates with both Muslim and non-Muslim audiences.

A cornerstone of LITC’s outreach, the Masjid Tours program brings Islamic theater directly to local Muslim communities. The team travels to masjids across the U.S., performing plays that blend Islamic storytelling with creative artistry. These productions often involve local Muslim artists and actors, encouraging community collaboration. The Masjid Tours aim to inspire Muslim audiences and showcase Islamic theater as a meaningful alternative for community engagement.

LITC specializes in producing original works and adaptations of public-domain classics, crafted to reflect Muslim values, characters, and narratives. These stories explore themes of faith, relationships, and Islamic practice, offering captivating and relatable content for all ages. Through acting classes and workshops, LITC nurtures aspiring Muslim actors, helping them develop their craft in a supportive, faith-aligned environment. Our organization also offers online and in-person classes to expand our reach.