Get ready, this is about to get emotional. An adaptation of Khaled Hosseini’s bestseller, The Kite Runner tells the story of Amir, who begins this story a child in an affluent Kabul suburb at the start of the seventies. He lost his mother at birth, yet, despite a somewhat strained relationship with his father, he and his best friend Hasan are happy. What unfolds, mirroring the terrible decades of turmoil about to unfold in Afghanistan, is a story of great tragedy which starts when Amir witnesses an assault on Hasan. Amir’s search for safety and redemption takes him through Pakistan to San Francisco, but he struggles to escape the past despite the years. When a call comes from a dear family friend offering him a chance to atone, a journey back to Pakistan gives Amir the chance to face the life he left behind.

Having read the book, I knew what was coming, but this production still packs a real emotional punch. The directorial choices taken in putting it together are thoughtful and clear. There is a lot of narration, in keeping with the novel’s descriptive style, but the effect that has on the audience is impactful. Instead of set pieces, we are shown glimpses of atrocities and then forced to watch Amir (David Ahmad) try and find the words to explain indescribable acts and emotions. The director’s choice to set a tone and pace, and let the actors do the rest pitches it perfectly, as it makes for a very human story. We see characters’ reactions to the stories and their entrances and exits illustrating the comings and goings in Amir’s life, relentless but never rushing.

Ahmad’s performance is fantastic. The intensity that is maintained throughout is truly admirable. Time after time he is stretched emotionally, and time after time he delivers, engendering real sympathy for the character as well as the emotions of the situation. He also pitches his narration very well, particularly in regards to variation of tempo. His versatility in playing different ages is mirrored by an excellent ensemble cast, who have to take on a large number of different roles, the main support actors all giving strong performances, producing rapid character development in small snapshots without ever veering into caricature. Amongst the best were Amirs imposing father (Emilio Doorgasingh); genial family friend Rahim Khan (Karl Seth); the wild-eyed, sociopathic Asef (Bhavin Bhatt) and Amir’s caring wife Soraya (Lisa Zahra), but while others not mentioned here are also excellent, Andrei Costin’s turn as Hassan and Saurab is particularly notable. With great control of timing and a wonderful physicality, he provides a wonderful foil for Ahmad’s storytelling. Barney George’s set is simple but has a very strong concept, with a fence trapping Amir also doubling as a city skyline, and big canvas wings providing scene changes and a constant reminder of the eponymous Kite. Elizabeth Dennis’ costumes are also very evocative and tell us a lot about the characters, as well as providing the backdrop for one particularly entertaining set piece depicting first impressions of San Francisco.

In places the accents are a little wayward and muddled, and it would have benefitted the production to try and create more of a sense of place, especially at the beginning in Kabul, though Hanif Khan’s beautiful, understated drumming does help create atmosphere throughout.

A tearjerker that never feels too heavy or dark, ‘The Kite Runner’ brings out a powerful human story and a strong emotional reaction from the audience. Pitched expertly, the actors use a lot of talent to bring Matthew Spangler’s excellently paced script to life and give us a production that packs real punch.

The Kite Runner is playing Playhouse Theatre until July 29.

Photo: Irina Chira