An award-winning book adapted for the stage by an award-winning team? Count us in...
Nottingham Playhouse has established itself as a source of powerful, poignant storytelling over the years - and 2023 is going to be no different.
You see, the local institution is kicking off what promises to be another twelve months of quality shows with The Beekeeper of Aleppo, a touching tale of family, war and tragedy from the talented team behind The Kite Runner.
Adapted by Nesrin Alrefaai and Matthew Spangler, and directed by the Olivier Award-winning Miranda Cromwell, the play tells the story of Nuri, a beekeeper, and his artist wife, Afra, as their peaceful life in the beautiful Syrian city of Aleppo is destroyed by conflict, and they are forced to escape.
What follows is a tense journey of pain and loss, but also a discovery of the importance of love, kindness and compassion.
This esteemed production will stop by the Playhouse from Friday 3 to Saturday 25 February as part of a nationwide tour that stretches from London to Liverpool.
Deeply moving and visually striking, this layered story illuminates their nearly impossible journey to find a way to live again, a way back to each other
On introducing The Beekeeper of Aleppo to our city, Nottingham Playhouse Artistic Director, Adam Penford, says: “We’re delighted to be bringing this beautiful and humane story to the stage. Miranda Cromwell is one of the UK’s most exciting directors, and it’s an honour to welcome her to Nottingham, following her recent success with Death of a Salesman on Broadway.
“It’s also a pleasure to be reunited with our co-producers, UK Productions and Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, and writer Matthew Spangler, following the continuing global success of The Kite Runner. Nottingham Playhouse proudly holds Theatre of Sanctuary status and this production continues our commitment to supporting refugees and asylum seekers, by telling their stories onstage, and through offstage initiatives, such as the Conversation Cafe.”
Echoing this excitement, Director Miranda Cromwell adds: “I am so thrilled to be working on this beautiful adaptation of Christy Lefteri’s stunning book: an arresting, courageous exploration of one family’s struggle to deal with the aftermath of losing everything.
“Deeply moving and visually striking, this layered story illuminates their nearly impossible journey to find a way to live again, a way back to each other. It holds a mirror to this moment in our history when so many people are being forced from their homes. It is a call to arms for compassion, understanding, connection and love.”
Tickets are now available to buy from the Nottingham Playhouse website, with prices starting from just £10.50.
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