The novel Kite Runner was first published in 2003 by Khaled Hosseini. It was adapted into a play by Matthew Spangler and the first stage production was in 2007 at San Jose State University. The film version was also released that year. And now it opens at the CIBC Theatre in June of 2024.
Warning: This trailer contains some spoilers for the play.
Amir grew up in Afghanistan with his best friend, Hassan, who is the son of the family servant. After a tragic incident, Hassan’s family decides to move away for safety. Later on, Amir’s father also chooses to move away when the Russians invade. While living in Pakistan, they are granted asylum in the US, and they move to San Francisco. One day, Amir is called upon to return to Afghanistan for a very important mission.
Khaled Hosseini has written a very powerful story. It’s a gut wrenching tale about the difficult life in Afghanistan and the brutality of the hatred between the different groups of people there.
Ramzi Khalaf is outstanding as Amir, who goes through a major transformation in the story. Shahzeb Zahid Hussain is excellent as the joyful and innocent Hassan. Haythem Noor is a powerful force as the father. The rest of the cast puts on an amazing performance as well.
Overall, it’s a very heavy play (don’t bring the kids), but it is well worth the time. As they say in the play, “Sad stories make good books.”
Cost of a ticket: $109 (Orchestra Sides)
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Get tickets now for The Kite Runner through June 23rd!
Quinn Delaney
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