Lyceum Theatre Sheffield – until 8th June 2024
Reviewed by Carol Crann
5*****
The scene is set by a live tabla player – drumming out what appeared to be authentic intricate rhythms – for ten minutes prior to the performance starting, as a tone-setter it worked nicely. The stage was very minimalistic with banking to one side and a backdrop that could be lit to look like trees in Afghanistan, then in the second act became the high rise buildings of San Francisco.
Throughout the performance there is a representation of a kite that drops, to give the effect of a different area or to illustrate an event in a previous time frame. Here too, lighting is used to add depth and feeling to a scene. There is the bright green of the wedding ceremony, and then projected images of some of the horrors in this thought provoking tale – they are just two of the ways its effect can be seen. Music and sound is also used to great effect, emphasising and adding to what is being played out on the stage. The Schwirrbogen and singing bowls add a real sense of atmosphere that transports you to where the play is set.
The story itself starts as two young friends, from very different backgrounds, play together in their – then peaceful – homeland of Afghanistan. Amir, the son of the wealthy Baba (Dean Rehman), is played with great passion throughout by Stuart Vincent and Hassan, the ethnic minority son of the servant to Baba and his family, is played by Yazdan Qafouri. Qafouri shows real vulnerability in his character and is adept at demonstrating the respect he holds for Amir, despite the way he has been treated.
A number of incidents with the local antagonist, Assef (Bhavin Bhatt), put their lives in danger and a bad adolescent decision by Amir not only has a terrifying outcome for Hassan, but also years of regret for himself after he puts his need to please and impress his father before the safety of his friend. As he struggles to come to terms with his choice he then finds out that he has to further exacerbate the situation in order hide his actions from his father, which result in Hassan and his father Ali, played by Tiran Aakel, leaving – something that causes Baba great distress.
In the following years the situation in Afghanistan deteriorates as the Taliban gains control, and Amir and his father have to flee the country and emigrate to San Francisco. Here Amir meets his future wife, Soraya (Daphne Kouma), and her overbearing father General Taheri, played by Ian Abeysekera. Soraya has secrets of her own, and their relationship starts to falter as her father constantly tries to control their decisions with regards to having a family.
Meanwhile, some bad news from home gives Amir a real insight into his father’s relationship with his old servant, and give him the opportunity to redeem himself as well as save his marriage at the same time.
‘The Kite Runner’ is definitely not what you’d call a ‘feel good play’, though – as in life – there are a number of humorous incidents within it, despite the sorrow. It is however, an incredibly thought-provoking and endearing piece of work that comes complete with an ending that is both poignant and emotional.
A great deal of thought has clearly been put into every aspect of this performance, which makes it a captivating watch. The subject matter is treated with a real respect, despite some of the horrors it reveals, and the cast are proficient at making you believe in the characters they portray.