This haunting tale of friendship spans cultures and continents and follows one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption. Read more …
Afghanistan is a divided country on the verge of war and childhood friends, Amir and Hassan are about to be torn apart. It’s a beautiful afternoon in Kabul and the skies are full of the excitement and joy of a kite flying tournament. But neither of the boys can foresee what will happen to Hassan that afternoon, an event that is to shatter their lives.
Based on Khaled Hosseini’s international bestselling novel and film, this haunting tale of friendship leaves a lasting impression on anyone it touches.
As a book put on stage, this is largely successful, and will surely not disappoint fans of the original work. As a dramatic performance in its own right, it is much more problematic.
Whereas the beginning of the play feels authentically crafted by a writer with lived experience, the play’s resolution of Amir and Hassan’s journey feels, ultimately, a little unrewarding.
On a stage awash with images of east and west, by the end things appear akin to a Blood Brothers for the post 9/11 world in a poignant study of emotional and political exile.
The Kite Runner is a timely reminder of the moral ambiguities that surround international conflict; in this case, the war in Afghanistan.
By turns shocking and choking in its emotion, The Kite Runner is a production you will be truly sorry to miss.
An impressive and deeply moving show, presented with memorable passion by a 12-strong cast, and remarkable in its power to evoke both the beauty and resilience of Afghanistan, and the sheer human heartbreak of its recent history.
Matthew Spangler--The Kite Runner
King's Theatre, Edinburgh from Monday November 10, 2014, until Saturday November 15, 2014. More info: http://www.edtheatres.com/kings
RSS feed of Theatre reviews