I’ll be forgoing my usual puns in this review as The Kite Runner is not so…up-lifting. Ok, allow me that one….
Adapted for the stage by Matthew Spangler, the action takes place in Afghanistan and America, and spans continents, cultures and classes.
This is a tale of betrayal, loss and redemption and follows the story of Amir (Stuart Vincent), as he recounts moments from his childhood. With his friend and servant Hassam (Yazdan Qafouri) the pair are menaced by young thugs, and the action soon takes a darker turn.
Vincent is on stage for almost the entire performance, and plays Amir with both an intensity and sincerity. He seamlessly transitions between young Amir and his adult self, and has some truly poignant moments. A little comic relief here and there is unexpected but welcomed in such a harrowing tale.
Qafouri’s Hassam is convincing as a 12-year-old boy, expertly capturing the childhood innocence and naivety. His unwavering loyalty to Amir comes through in the bravery of his actions, and it’s heart-wrenching to see his story unfold.
Dean Rehman as Baba strikes a balance between authoritarian father figure and doting dad. Torn between the expectations of society and standing by his family, we feel his struggle in a difficult cultural climate. Rehman gives a powerful performance throughout.
Bhavin Bhatt is utterly repellent as the bully of the piece, and represents all that Amir must learn to stand up to. There are audible gasps when he antagonises the two boys, and Bhatt quickly has us loathing the character.
The whole cast work well as an ensemble, with most performers playing multiple roles. Special mention must go to Hanif Khan on the tabla who is also on stage for most of the show and whose music sets the tone from the very start.
Fans of the novel will recognise particular quotes from the text, especially during the more distressing moments. This is effective in demonstrating the violent scenes without resorting to crude effects and shock tactics. Although in a way it is more shocking – and more visceral – to hear the brutally detailed descriptions.
Barney George’s set design is bare-bones, but allows for the cast to make their mark on a relatively blank canvas. That being said, there are some wonderful touches such as giant kite sails that fold in and out. Projection is used well too, but thankfully not over-used or relied upon. The show is often vibrant and colourful, and reflects the Afghan heritage and traditions well.
At two hours and thirty-five minutes with interval, The Kite Runner runs fairly long but the show is so well crafted that it doesn’t often drag. The audience were silent throughout, gripped by the powerful storytelling.
Powerful, evocative and often heart-breaking. Has this review set your hopes for good theatre…soaring? Book your tickets at www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk/show/the-kite-runner/
Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.
Review Wizard 