Matthew Spangler’s adaptation of Khaled Hosseini’s novel, directed by Giles Croft, soars as high as the kite of its title in an emotional rollercoaster ride that spans cultures and continents effortlessly. It is essentially Amir’s story (played superbly by Casualty’s Ben Turner) and his journey in life that takes him from his homeland of Afghanistan to the USA and back again in a search for redemption and atonement.
We are introduced to Amir and his servant Hussan (Andrei Costin) in an idyllic childhood world with fun and adventures, unfettered by the problems of the adult world around them. This soon, though, is shattered by sociopathic bully-boy Assef (Nicholas Karimi) who humiliates Hussan in the most degrading manner. Amir actually witnesses the event and betrays the faithfulness and loyalty of his companion – a fact his conscience will never let him forget.
As well as this boyhood friendship falling in tatters the narrative reveals his dysfunctional relationship with his pipe-smoking, whiskey-drinking father (Emilio Doorgasingh) who has many difficulties in adapting to the States as an immigrant following the Russian invasion of his homeland. Amir’s final farewell to his father is a moment so highly emotionally charged that it leaves many of us in tears.
Barney George’s design is simple but functional and effective and the use of a tabla player onstage throughout give it an authentic atmosphere. Croft’s direction is clear and confident and the ensemble performance hits a very high level, allowing us to identify with the protagonists as well as the repulsion we find at man’s inhumanity to man in the various conflicts.
Whilst being informative this is not just a theatrical history lesson, it sets universal events and emotions against a complex background without ever being preachy or pedantic.
As seen at West Yorkshire Playhouse where it runs until 8 November.
Review: Rich Jevons
Photo: Robert Day