Never have I seen an audience sat so mesmerised by a performance than those at The Nottingham Playhouse for The Kite Runner.
Returning to Nottingham following an outstanding West End , we were captivated by the unforgettable story based on Khaled Hosseini’s international best-selling novel from start to finish.
The award-winning emotional tale of friendship, betrayal and redemption, adapted for stage by Matthew Spangler, crosses continents, cultures and boundaries.
Lives are to be torn apart forever for Amir, a young boy from Kabul, and his closest friend, his servant, Hassan, the kite runner of the title. Not just because of the huge impact of the Soviet invasion of their country and the subsequent rise of the Taliban, but on a moving, personal note when the latter is the victim of a gross assault. The gripping consequences which follow are to affect the lives of both boys, who have more in common than they think, forever.
The scenery is magnificent in its simplicity. Two kite shaped screens fall into position when needed, against a back drop which the eye initially sees as fencing in Afghanistan and later as Californian high rises, without changing. Two boxes become everything from a hospital room to a car. Imagination isn’t really needed as you don’t notice, because you are totally and utterly absorbed in the story, thanks to the incredible acting of David Ahmad as Amir.
His character is a writer of stories, Ahmad himself is a true genius at story telling. Narrating the haunting story of one man’s journey to confront his past, he switches from present day to childhood, simply with a change of posture and vocal delivery. Utterly believable throughout.
Playing the characters Fathers, Emilia Doorgasingh and Ezra Faroque Khan, portray the uneasy father/son relationship, and that between themselves beautifully.
If you see one play this year, go and see The Kite Runner. It will break your heart, but it’s an absolute triumph for Director Giles Croft and company.
The Kite Runner is appearing at The Nottingham Playhouse until 9th September 2017
//www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk/whats-on/drama/the-kite-runner-2017/
By Tanya Louise
Editor
@tanyalouise_
https://www.tanyalouise.net/
