Based on the bestselling novel by Khaled Hosseini and adapted for the stage by Matthew Spangler, The Kite Runner is an epic tale of childhood friends Amir and Hassan, set in the backdrop of Afghanistan in the 1970’s. Their tumultuous story is seemingly mirrored by the horrific realities of a country on the cusp of war. The Kite Runner does not shy away from mature themes of the atrocities of brutality, rape, war and political upheaval and handles them with an exemplary display of compassionate sensitivity. Directed by Giles Croft with Design by Barney George and Composition and Musical Direction by Jonathon Girling this production is all encompassing and draws the audience into a time of affronting through Amir’s own story. If you have read the 2003 book, then I would say this production; although in 2 hours doesn’t allow for the same depth to be explored; goes a long way in creating the aesthetic to enhance the experience.
The audience are greeted on arrival by Hanif Khan, an immersive solo musician on stage, drawing us to a time and place. This is further consolidated by the set which is simplistic yet moody in tone, creating the landscape both of Afghanistan and later America, using large kite like cloth to project upon, both in abstract pattern form and later in the Second Act as silhouette. The First Act does appear a little disjoined initially as the difficult task of establishing situation, character and background is pieced together however, the Second Act is spellbinding as Amir is giving the chance to redeem himself and put right his actions of the past.
The protagonist Amir (Stuart Vincent) along with his father Baba (Dean Rehman) a wealthy Pashtun businessman are served by Hazara’s Ali (Tiran Aakel) and his son Hassan (Yazdan Qafouri). Social discrimination between Sunni and Shia Muslims, social class and discrimination abound, Amir and Hassan are childhood friends, and Vincent and Qafouri beautifully portray the love and adoration for each other. From youthful innocence through adolescence, the pressures of the outside influences develop and segregate.
Vincent is a skilful orator and holds the audience in the palm of his and as he seamlessly switches from adult real-time narrator to flashback action. His words are profound, enlightening and thought provoking and the audience are fully invested and totally bewitched – An exceptional performance. Hassan’s innocence, blinding love and loyalty are preciously portrayed by Qafouri and his performance is beguiling. Note must be made of the stellar performance of Rehman in the role of Baba from arrogance through decline, to atonement and unwavering morals, all are powerfully depicted with flair and command. The second act introduces Amir’s future wife Soraya (Daphne Kouma) whose honesty and openness brings about Amir’s confrontation with his conscience. His meeting with old friend Rahim Khan (Christopher Glover) allowing the shocking truth of the past to surface and Amir to begin the process of redemption. This is truly an Epic story loaded with turmoil, it is a story that demands attention and enlightens in the most delicate way. Simply Beautiful.
With multiple role play by many of the cast and ensemble the stage/picture is full and vibrant and it is quite shocking at the conclusion to see how few performers created the experience. The ensemble are wonderful and the direction is exquisite. The conclusion to the production is both heart-warming and heart breaking, it shows us amends are possible and should be pursued.
I haven’t felt as moved by a theatrical production for a long time and I am both in awe and affected by what I experienced last night. The Kite Runner is at the Sheffield Lyceum until Saturday 8th June 2024, and I urge you not to miss this, rarely does a production touch me in ways this production did. From actors with dramatic powerhouse performances to a story that humanises the atrocities and realities we only see on the News in passing. This is a profoundly beautiful and eye-opening production. A MUST, MUST, MUST see!
Reviewer: Tracey Bell
Reviewed: 4th June 2024
North West End UK Rating: