(UK Productions & Flying Music / Flying Entertainment)
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| Andrei Costin & Ben Turner |
The European premiere of The Kite Runner received a
much-deserved standing ovation on its opening night at Malvern Festival
Theatre, as it tours the UK. Khaled Hosseini’s best-selling novel, which
achieved added acclaim as a movie in 2007, has been adapted for stage by
Matthew Spangler to present the captivating and, at times, harrowing tale of
two boys growing up in Afghanistan in the seventies and how events shape their
lives in tragically unforeseen ways into adulthood. Their story spans nearly
thirty years from just prior to the Russian occupation that resulted in civil
war and continues well into the oppression of the Taliban regime, as the action
moves from Afghanistan to Pakistan, America and back again.
Barney George’s simplistic set provides a beautifully
adaptable kite sail that, coupled with William Simpson’s projection design, transports
us around the world. Live sound is woven throughout the performance creating
the most incredible atmosphere and, along with Jonathan Girling’s composition,
encapsulates the very essence of the Middle Eastern culture.
This is an ensemble piece with many of the ten actors
playing more than one role. All are excellent in their casting, in particular
Emilio Doorgasingh as Baba and Andrei Costin as Hassan (and later Sohrab).
Nicholas Karimi, is perfectly intimidating as the sociopath, Assef, whose scene
in the second act is very uncomfortable to watch with recent news coverage of
similar horrors. Without question though, Ben Turner is most impressive in his
epic role as Amir, who is on stage for the duration of the show (nearly three
hours) and consistently switches between storyteller and participant. He gives
a truly awe inspiring performance!
This is a stunning production of a fantastic story and the
time flies. It may well leave you emotionally exhausted but it is certainly to
be experienced. The Kite Runner is an absolute must see that maintains the amazing
standard set by last week’s To Kill A Mocking Bird.
5 Stars
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