The Kite Runner Sheffield Lyceum 8th June 2024 'There is a way to be good again…' Back in 2008, I opened a book that, I think I can say without being flowery or exaggerating, changed my life. There are exceptional books, then there are the ones that, when you finish, you just sit and stare into space for a while. Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner was one of those books for me. If I am ever brave enough to get a tattoo, I would no question have ‘For you a thousand times over’. It changed the way I read, wrote, and even viewed the world around me. Back in 2013, I walked into the Nottingham Theatre Royal, to see one of the first performances of the theatrical adaptation by Matthew Spangler. I was excited but also nervous. As stated, this book is very special to me. I was relieved, therefore, to see a stunning piece of theatre. Superbly acted, I found myself captivated in a story I knew so well. It was, thankfully, so much better than the Dreamworks 2007 film adaptation, which although had its moments, was tame and safe, presumably to secure a 12 certificate. The play has no such concerns, and tells the story as it should be told- after all, although a work of fiction, Hosseini is tapping into the truths of so many. The truth is often ugly, and doesn’t fit into a 12 certificate barrier. I also saw the play again when I moved to Liverpool in 2014; my first week as a student, I found comfort in the familiar story I knew so well. So, this was my third viewing, with a fair few years and experiences in between! The Kite Runner tells the story of Amir and Hassan, best friends growing up in 1970s Afghanistan. Their lives are torn apart by political unrest and the upcoming war. A story of love, class and ultimately forgiveness and redemption. The play has now been on various tours and stints on the West End and Broadway. It was warming to see the Lyceum almost full on a Saturday matinee. Times are tough, and the theatre is a luxury. Touring shows are commonly filled with family favourites and well known musicals, guaranteed to sell out. The Kite Runner is the opposite of any huge musical production. Its genius is in its simplicity. A sparse stage, a carpet and very few props. The power of this play is the story, and thank goodness for that. The cast are solid, as they need to be. It is a difficult story to bring to life and very word heavy. There are scenes that didn’t hit me as powerfully as they did with the previous cast, and there are moments of misplaced humour which are jarring, but I still cried and got once again swept along with the story. I have to highlight Bhavin Bhratt who plays the villain Assef, performs the character superbly. He skillfully goes from manic to a sinister menacing presence, making him truly frightening. Yazdan Qafouri was the star of the show for me. His heartbreakingly innocent portrayal of Hassan, and later Sohrab, was heartbreaking and utterly believable. There is a moment towards the end of the show that absolutely made me sob. A stunning performance. Another special nod to Hanif Khan, the only returning cast member from the original run, whose superb tabla playing sets the atmosphere for the production before even the first line is spoken. The Kite Runner is why we go to the theatre. To learn, feel and to leave somewhat changed. Even on a repeat visit, I feel I experienced something very special. The Kite Runner continues its UK tour until July 2024
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