Monday, 10 June 2019

Theatre Review: A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS - NORTHERN STAGE



A Thousand Splendid Suns Company - Pamela Raith Photography
A Thousand Splendid Suns originally a novel by Khaled Hosseini has been adapted for the stage by Ursula Rani Sarma. Set in Afghanistan before and after The Taliban, it spans the lives of 3 generations, focusing on the treatment of women.

Amina Zia (Mariam)
A Thousand Splendid Suns
Pamela Raith Photography
Laila, Sujaya Dasgupta, is orphaned aged 15 and is taken in by a neighbouring couple Mariam, Amina Zia and Rasheed, Pal Aron. Rasheed decides she should join their family by becoming his wife alongside Mariam. The action moves from seeing Laila growing up, the relationship between the two wives, Mariam’s early years, where she is played by Shala Nyx and finally the new rules which are forced on woman by The Taliban.


This is a play which does have some difficult and horrifying scenes to watch due to the subject matter but the acting is so powerful, I was immediately entranced by the entire production. With subtle lighting from Simon Bond, slick direction from Roxana Silbert and a simple yet effective set by Ana Ines Jabares-Pita, this is one production which must be seen to gain an understanding in the treatment which continues to happen in our ‘civilised world.’ This is one of the most powerful and moving productions I have seen this year.

Runs until Saturday 15th June.

Sujaya Dasgupta (Laila) Amina Zia (Mariam) A Thousand Splendid Suns Pamela Raith Photography


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