I am sure that none of us could have predicted what has happened in 2020, when we all headed into January 1st with fireworks and glasses of champagne. This year has been life changing, in so many ways. A shared experience that has left, not a single one of us unaffected. Every industry has been uprooted by the effects of lock-downs across the world, not least the world of the performing arts.
Just before lock down, 20 parents and students went to see the nationally acclaimed production of the multi award winning book, The Kite Runner, which was performed at The Richmond Theatre. Only a few days we went into lock down, not knowing when we would go to the theatre again. Nearly 6 months later - and we still do not know when the theatres will be back open. The production is based on Khaled Hosseini's book, adapted by Matthew Spangler and directed by Giles Croft.
Having spoken to lots of students, one of the things they are greatly missing is a trip to the theatre. The arts are such a vital part of our lives and our childrens lives. They enrich our lives, transport us to different worlds, educate us on different cultures and beliefs, inspire us creatively and so much more. I know my own son will greatly miss all the theatre trips we usually go on at Christmas, and we certainly felt very sad about not visiting a musical in the summer holidays which is a family tradition. What is perhaps is even sadder is seeing the news regarding the problems that the theatres and arts venues are facing, as well as the devastating effect this has all had on all those employed in arts venues and industries across the country.
The Kite Runner was absolutely fantastic and I think, we all felt, very privileged to have seen it. Head girl, Jessica and Deputy head, Amelia, have written a lovely review of their experience of seeing the production.
Just before lock down, 20 parents and students went to see the nationally acclaimed production of the multi award winning book, The Kite Runner, which was performed at The Richmond Theatre. Only a few days we went into lock down, not knowing when we would go to the theatre again. Nearly 6 months later - and we still do not know when the theatres will be back open. The production is based on Khaled Hosseini's book, adapted by Matthew Spangler and directed by Giles Croft.
Having spoken to lots of students, one of the things they are greatly missing is a trip to the theatre. The arts are such a vital part of our lives and our childrens lives. They enrich our lives, transport us to different worlds, educate us on different cultures and beliefs, inspire us creatively and so much more. I know my own son will greatly miss all the theatre trips we usually go on at Christmas, and we certainly felt very sad about not visiting a musical in the summer holidays which is a family tradition. What is perhaps is even sadder is seeing the news regarding the problems that the theatres and arts venues are facing, as well as the devastating effect this has all had on all those employed in arts venues and industries across the country.
The Kite Runner was absolutely fantastic and I think, we all felt, very privileged to have seen it. Head girl, Jessica and Deputy head, Amelia, have written a lovely review of their experience of seeing the production.
 | The Kite Runner by Jessica and Amelia In March, a few of the students at Step on Stage went to Richmond Theatre to watch ‘The Kite Runner’. Overall it was an amazing show even though it brought tears to our eyes. The Kite Runner was first a novel written in 2003 by Khaled Hosseini an American novelist and physician. The book won many awards including the Francisco Chronicle Best Book of the Year Award. The book then went on to become a movie and a play. The story is set in Afghanistan and The USA between the 1960’s and early 2000’s. It tells the story of Amir, a young boy from the Wazir Akbar Khan district of Kabul, whose closest friend is Hassan. The play takes us through their life and the tragic events that happen throughout. |
The play is set out in a different but fascinating way as the set and the staging were very unique. One thing that we found very clever was that the actor playing Amir (David Ahmad) never went off of the stage. He played two roles on stage - one as Amir in the present day and the other as Amir in the past. When he was playing present day Amir, he would be looking back at his life and explaining all of the main events. This made it clear to the audience what was happening. The versatility of this actor was fantastic.
Another thing we found interesting was the staging. This is because it was split in a lot of the scenes showing two places/scenes at the same time. For example, in one scene, the stage was split using just the lighting to show the USA and Afghanistan. This was very creative and one of our favourite parts of the show. The changes between locations was seamless and we particuarly liked the use of colour to show the culture as well as the use of the kites.
Overall, we found the play heartwarming and amazing. It also showed us what life is like for some people which made us realise how lucky we are. We would definitely recommend this play to you as you won’t be disappointed!
Another thing we found interesting was the staging. This is because it was split in a lot of the scenes showing two places/scenes at the same time. For example, in one scene, the stage was split using just the lighting to show the USA and Afghanistan. This was very creative and one of our favourite parts of the show. The changes between locations was seamless and we particuarly liked the use of colour to show the culture as well as the use of the kites.
Overall, we found the play heartwarming and amazing. It also showed us what life is like for some people which made us realise how lucky we are. We would definitely recommend this play to you as you won’t be disappointed!
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