The Kite Runner– Broadway Version

The Kite Runner (2003) by Khaled Hosseini is a deeply moving, sometimes horrific story of two childhood friends–one a servant, the other the privileged son of the master of the house.  Taking place in Kabul, Afghanistan during the 1980’s, The Kite Runner tackles the themes of class, ethnic division, and the price of friendship.  The wealthy   friend must face up to what he witnesses one day and what betrayal he is guilty of.  For both boys–now adults–the event rips apart their friendship and their lives.

This Broadway version of The Kite Runner features unforgettable performances by two electrifying Afghan American actors, Amir Arison and Eris Sirakian:  While the ending of the novel has been changed–perhaps to be more crowd-pleasing (although this viewer preferred the darker tone and mood of the novel), the play remains a harrowing journey of redemption and forgiveness, bravery and self-serving, and reassures us all that we can change and heal old wounds.

The theatrical production ends in New York City on October 30, but the production company is hoping to have the play travel to other cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco.  A televised performance is also under discussion.

Note:  The Kite Runner is the first production in which part of the dialogue is spoken in Dari (Farsi).  From context, the audience can follow the intended meaning and feelings.