The sound of the Tabla Drums sets the mood as
”
The Kite Runner
”
unfolds the beautifully, delicately, detailed story of the
intricate lives of two boys in Kabul.
The sound of the Tabla Drums sets the mood as “The Kite Runner” unfolds the beautifully, delicately, detailed story of the intricate lives of two boys in Kabul.
Playwright Matthew Spangler lovingly adapted the colorful, funny at times heart wrenching best selling novel and award nominated movie by Khaled Hosseini into a play so touching that no one leaves the theatre without being moved in some way by the lives of others in these times.
Director David Ira Goldstein paints a canvas of understatement and sensitivity in a dramatic plot with a chemistry that involves the audience throughout the performance.
Perfectly cast, the actors are all pristine in their portrayals.
Barzin Akhavan plays the adult Amir with an amazing perfection and tenderness that brings emotions of weakness, humor, fear and strength to a role that keeps him on stage for the entire performance.
He takes us on his journey retreating thirty years from the United States to his boyhood and close friendship with his father’s servant’s son in Kabul.
Those who have read the book will agree that this transition to the stage is an amazing accurate work of art.
The story is riveting and at times violent and keeps the spectators breathless without overloading the senses.
The kite flying scenes are superbly choreographed and beautifully executed. Kites are never really flown but the staging and the appearance of the kites flying become real.
Simple cleverly, sparsely designed sets by Vicki Smith and lighting by David Lee Cuthbert transport us back and forth to the upscale house of Amir’s father to the gritty war torn streets of Kabul to Pakistan and Afghanistan to a Flea Market in the Bay Area.
There is never any doubt of where you are in this fast moving panorama of life and drama.
Once in a great while “magic” happens on a stage.
“The Kite Runner” makes the finest exquisite theatre “magic”. If you are a theatre lover this is one production that should not be missed.
‘The Kite Runner’
ABOUT: Based on the novel by Khaled Hosseini, adapted for the stage by Matthew Spangler, Presented by San Jose Rep
WHERE: 101 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose
WHEN: Through April 26
RUNNING TIME: 2 hours and forty-five minutes with one intermission
TICKETS: $33-$62
DETAILS: (408) 367-7255 or visit www.sjrep.com
