‘An Unforgettable Tour De Force’ Flies Into Dubai Opera This Weekend – Five Facts About “The Kite Runner”

Based on Khaled Hosseini’s international bestselling novel, the West End production of THE KITE RUNNER will make its Middle East debut at Dubai Opera from 27 until 29 February, 2020. Adapted by playwright, director, and Professor Matthew Spangler, this haunting tale of friendship spans cultures and continents and follows one man’s journey to confront his past and find redemption.

From page to stage, the play is based on the bestselling novel by Khaled Hosseini
THE KITE RUNNER spent more than two years on the prestigious New York Times bestseller list. It first appeared on the list in September 2004 and reached number one in March 2005. Readers shared their love for the book through book clubs and word of mouth. Four years later, Matthew Spangler adapted the novel to the stage after meeting Hosseini in 2006.
After winning stellar reviews at London’s Wyndham’s Theatre, receiving standing ovations at every show and captivating an audience, THE KITE RUNNER makes its official debut in the Middle East this February at Dubai Opera.

THE KITE RUNNER’s soundtrack combines sounds from various cultures

THE KITE RUNNER has 13 singing bowls with six beaters to play them with, sourced from five countries, including India, Pakistan, Tibet Germany and England. The show’s soundtrack includes variations and extemporisation of at least ten thals, which are Indian classical rhythms, three tablas, played by one tabla player on the stage for about 9/10ths of the entire show, two live singers off stage that you never see, a live tampura but now heard only as a drone to accompany storytelling and song, one oil drum, played in three places by one large mallet, nine Schwirrbogen (whirl bows), and hundreds of red and clear elastic bands!

The show sees a total of 124 costumes, including understudies.

In total, the cast, including understudies, are dressed in 124 costumes, and throughout the show, there are a total of 69 costume changes between all 12 actors.

Starting in 1970’s Afghanistan, moving on to 1980’s America, the costume design reflects the era and location of the play, as the story progresses. The juxtaposed images of tradition and modernisation can be seen in the costumes, as well as wealth and poverty and the effects of a war torn country.

The indoor kites, AKA the stars of the show, are specially designed

During the production the cast fly specially designed indoor kites. These were made by a master kite maker in Singapore. They utilise extremely light weight polyethylene sails and micro carbon fibre spars. The shape is as close as we can get to the traditional Afghan Fighting kite, whilst maintaining the ability to fly indoors.

THE KITE RUNNER has toured across the globe and debuts in the Middle East at Dubai Opera

THE KITE RUNNER has achieved massive success and recognition on a global scale, playing in the United Kingdom, USA, Canada, India, and Germany to date, and now brings its outstanding and unforgettable theatrical tour de force to Dubai.

THE KITE RUNNER has played in London’s West End at Wyndham’s Theatre and at the Playhouse Theatre, before embarking on an international tour. The play is directed by Giles Croft who is also a playwright and his work has been produced widely in the UK and Europe.

Chief Executive Officer of Broadway Entertainment Group, Liz Koops said: “We are thrilled to debut the critically acclaimed West End production of THE KITE RUNNER at Dubai Opera.

The limited run of the show guarantees all theatre-lovers an unforgettable performance, appealing to culture vultures, literary minds, and everyone in between, the KITE RUNNER is a theatrical spectacular not to be missed”.

Dubai Opera spokesperson said: “The Dubai Opera stage has brought many shows to life, and we are delighted to debut this important play, THE KITE RUNNER here in the Middle East. We encourage all theatre lovers to immerse themselves in this powerful, thrilling story.”

Tickets are available for sale on www.dubaiopera.com

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