Theatre Review: A Thousand Splendid Suns at the Birmingham Rep

AD: This Press Night Review refers to the 2025 Production of ‘A Thousand Splendid Suns’ at the Birmingham Rep*

I first read Khaled Hosseini’s powerful novel A Thousand Splendid Suns when it was released in 2007, and have always proclaimed it one of my favourite books. So I was fascinated to see how this heartfelt saga of two women in war-torn Kabul would translate to the stage.

This production first appeared at the Birmingham Rep in 2019, but it has undergone some changes since then. Most notably there has been an increased Afghan input into the creative team and casting, according to director Roxana Silbert. And whilst the play spans 1974 to 2001, the key themes still sadly resonate today, with the subjugation and persecution of women in Afghanistan and beyond.

“..she is the noor of my eyes and the sultan of my heart”

15-year old Laila and her parents are planning to make the long trek from Kabul to Pakistan as refugees. Sadly a shell strike destroys their house, killing her beloved parents and setting future events into motion. Mariam is resentful when her husband Rasheed takes Laila as his second wife. After all, she is young, beautiful, educated and most importantly, fertile. Yet the two find themselves becoming allies against their abusive husband. Eventually, their relationship deepens as their lives become even more difficult under Taliban rule.

The title “A Thousand Splendid Suns” comes from a poem by Saib Tabrizi:

Every street of Kabul is enthralling to the eye…Impossible to count the moons shimmering on her roofs/And the thousand splendid suns hiding behind her walls.

This theatrical adaptation by Ursula Rani Sarma begins with the high drama of Laila’s tale. This differs from the more linear timeline of the book. This means that we miss out on some of Mariam’s narrative, focusing more on the relationship between her and Laila. However a clever use of flashbacks piece together Mariam’s own past, and the connections that eventually bond the women.

The play is faithful to Hosseini’s story, and is heart-rending and tragic, yet compelling at the same time. It reminds us that even in the darkest times, light can shine through. Laila remains ever-optimistic and willing to challenge the patriarchy, particularly when she gives birth to her daughter Aziza. Her devotion to Aziza and eventually to Mariam shines through, and her desire to make life better for them all

A Thousand Splendid Suns carries multiple content warnings, including domestic violence, miscarriage, suicide and murder. But nothing feels gratuitous. This may be a novel from the pen of Hosseini, but it is a genuine depiction of the suffering and trauma endured by women in Afghanistan. It was a fitting follow-up to his debut novel “The Kite Runner” which focused on the relationships between boys and men.

“Like a compass facing north, a man’s accusing finger always finds a woman”

Rina Fatania, Kerena Jagpal and Jonas Khan as Mariam, Laila and Rasheed respectively are onstage almost constantly, performing what must be emotionally exhausting roles. Khan is particularly impressive as Rasheed, a multi-faceted and complex man. It would be easy to play him as an out-and-out villain but instead Khan depicts him as flawed and weak. Rasheed believes he is a good man, a protector of women. Yet he is violent and vengeful, a product of a regime that damaged men as well as women.

There are surprising moments of comedic lightness at times, particularly in Fatania’s depiction of bitter Mariam. Although the narrative is set up as Laila’s story, this is equally Mariam’s tale. Fatania moves masterfully between resentment, fear and finally courage as she has an unexpected second chance at family. Jagpal radiates hope as Laila, moving from teenager to wife to mother, constantly fighting for her survival and that of those she loves.

Humera Syed puts in a remarkable performance in a dual role, as a young Mariam, and as Laila’s spirited daughter Aziza. Noah Manzoor plays Zalmai, Laila and Rasheed’s son, confidently feeling his way in a world where he is more important than his older sister. A small ensemble double up in multiple roles; special mentions especially to David Ahmad and Tahir Shah. The UK regional accents seem an odd choice at first, but it creates a connection with the audience to differentiate between the regions and statuses of the Afghan people.

“Marriage can wait. Education cannot”

Set designer Simon Kenny and Lighting Designer Matt Haskins have created a simple but exquisite set. Octagonal platforms are covered with intricate richly coloured carpet, a symbol of Afghan culture. Intricate cut-outs in the backdrop give a feel of the mountains of Afghanistan, of an outside world that Laila and Mariam are not permitted to experience. Extensions to the set are dropped in during the second act, depicting a changing landscape.

Despite the harrowing context, A Thousand Splendid Suns is the story of home and belonging; of friendship and family. Misogyny is rife, yet together women can create power. It is no mean feat to condense a 400 page novel into a two hour production, but this is a gripping and thought-provoking piece of theatre.

A Thousand Splendid Suns plays at the Birmingham Rep until Saturday 3rd May 2025. Purchase your tickets here. The production continues on to Nottingham Playhouse (13th – 24th May 2025) and then Leeds Playhouse (28th May-15th June 2025)

Production images by Ellie Kurttz

*Why is this post marked AD? I was invited to attend Press Night in exchange for an honest review. You can trust that I will always be honest and truthful on A Brummie Home and Abroad, and being an invited guest will not influence my opinion in any way.