The Kite Runner

 The Kite Runner
The Hayes Theater
July 30, 2022 

Photo courtesy of The Kite Runner

Matthew Spangler’s adaptation of Khaled Hosseini’s novel The Kite Runner is superbly written.  Most of the story is told through narration, as the main character tell his story.  He weaves facts together with the innocence of a young boy, then unravels the truths of buried emotions in order to heal and find happiness in his adult life.  Director Giles Croft magnifies each small moment so their significance is clearly felt when secrets are revealed.

Amir (played by Amir Arison) tells of his growing up in Kabul in the 1970s.  He lived a wealthy, privileged  life.  Amir’s father, Babar (played by Faran Tahir),  had very high expectations for him that he could never live up to them.  Amir’s best friend was his servant, Hassan (played by Eric Sirakian).  He was Amir’s kite runner.  He played with Amir, and protected him.  They grew up together, and shared everything.  On the day of the kite festival, Hassan was brutally assaulted.  Amir witnessed the attack, yet did nothing to stop it.  He could not face the truth of his betrayal of his closest companion.  When the Russians invaded Afghanistan, Amir and his father fled to America, with nothing but two suitcases of clothing.  They began to build their lives back.  After Amir gets married and Baba passes away, Amir receives a message from his father’s old business partner, Rahim Khan (played by Dariush Kashani).  Amir knows he must return to Afghanistan to make good on the harm he caused Hassan in his youth.  What he does not know is the secret that Rahim Khan is ready to reveal. 

Amir Arison & Eric Sirakian
Photo courtesy of The Kite Runner

Amir Arison rarely leaves the stage.  He steals your attention at the top of the show.  You gladly join him on his heartfelt and painful journey.  He skillfully shifts his physicality as his character jumps in age throughout the story.  He and Eric Sirakian create a genuine bond that fills the audience with joy whenever they share the stage.  The story relies on the sincerity of this bond, and these two actors successfully transport the audience into their world.

Faran Tahir comes on strong as Baba in the first act.  He is a father, the head of the household, a successful businessman, and a solid leader.  His character undergoes a huge transformation as they flee Afghanistan and become refugees.  He takes a job as a gas station attendant in America, doing whatever it takes to survive.  Mr. Tahir seamlessly delivers this transformation.  We watch him change.  It is beautifully done. 

Photo courtesy of The Kite Runner

This adaptation is brilliantly conceived and masterfully executed.  The entire cast works as a tight ensemble, keeping the action moving.  They create an authentic atmosphere, while maintaining consistency in the storytelling style.  

The Kite Runner is playing at The Hayes Theater through October 30.  You MUST experience this work.  It will touch your heart. 

Domenick Danza