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Few novels leave an imprint on our minds quite like The Kite Runner . Khaled Hosseini’s powerful story of friendship and redemption, set against the backdrop of Afghanistan’s turbulent past, has moved millions across the globe. Now, thanks to Arena Theatre Productions, the evocative story is coming to life on stage.
Adapted by American playwright Matthew Spangler, the production will be staged at Good Shepherd Auditorium on April 5. Director Tahera, the founder of Arena Theatre Productions, recalls her own experience with the novel. “I remember reading the novel years ago when it had just come out, and I completely agree on how moving and touching it was.
The story always remains with you, no matter how many years have passed. Even if you don’t remember every detail, you will still recall the characters and certain lines from The Kite Runner . ‘For you, a thousand times over,’ definitely resonates with many.
” Matthew’s adaptation has been widely praised for its ability to condense the novel’s vast scope into a gripping two-hour production without losing its emotional weight. “Every scene captures the core of the story. People who come to watch it will feel that nothing is missing; everything has been beautifully encapsulated in those two hours.
The playwright has done a fantastic job,” says Tahera. Tahera | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement The story delves into its themes of class struggle, privilege, oppression, and redemption. “The themes of The Kite Runner, are unfortunately still relevant today.
Although the book is set in the 1970s, it addresses issues that persist in modern times. The story delves into the complexities of Muslim culture, highlighting classism and the Shia-Sunni conflict. It shows how friendships across different social classes are often frowned upon, yet Amir’s journey demonstrates the profound impact of these relationships,” Tahera says.
Live music will add further depth to the production. “Each scene in the play represents a specific chapter from the book. We’ve structured it so that every important phase is captured effectively within these scenes.
One of the highlights is the live music, which adds authenticity to the cultural setting of Afghanistan. We’ve put a lot of effort into replicating the costumes and overall atmosphere to stay true to the story’s roots.” Tahera also draws a parallel between The Kite Runner and Bollywood cinema.
“ Like our Hindi films, every scene is deeply human at a very basic level. These emotions are so pure and relatable. I often say everyone has an Amir within them, and we’re all searching for our Hassan.
The characters are not simply black or white; they are grey from the beginning. The story beautifully depicts Amir’s chance at redemption, showing how he seizes it to start anew, filled with fresh faith and hope.” The journey of bringing The Kite Runner to life has been deeply fulfilling for the director.
“I read The Kite Runner about 15 years ago, before I even started my journey in theatre. I remember narrating the story to friends who were non-readers, and they were captivated by it. Even then, I was certain that this story could be brilliantly adapted for the stage.
” A highlight of the evening will be the presence of Matthew Spangler, who will be flying down from San José to watch the performance and interact with the audience after the show. The Kite Runner (English, 2 hours and 15 minutes) is recommended for audiences aged 16 and above. It will be staged on April 5 at Good Shepherd Auditorium, Richmond Town.
Tickets start at ₹499 and are available on BookMyShow. Published - April 02, 2025 11:45 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit.
