★★★★★
"A profoundly moving triumph"
theatreandtonic.co.uk
Nuri is a beekeeper; his wife, Afra, an artist. They live a simple life, rich in family and friends, in the beautiful Syrian city of Aleppo - until the unthinkable happens. When all they care for is destroyed by war, they are forced to escape. On their terrifying journey, they must face the pain of their own unbearable loss alongside incredible danger. Above all - they must journey to find each other again. This compassionate and beautiful play is a story of connection- between friends, families and strangers.
‘I was scared of the bees at first, but now, they make me feel alive. They are like a society in complete harmony with itself. Not like people at all, but maybe what people have the potential to be’
Winner of the Aspen Words Award, Runner up for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, and one of The Times top three bestselling books of 2020, Christy Lefteri’s best-selling novel has its world premiere in a brand new adaptation by Nesrin Alrefaai, and Matthew Spangler who adapted our sell-out production of The Kite Runner.
This co-production, in association with Nottingham Playhouse and UK Productions reunites the production partners behind the hugely successful stage adaptation of The Kite Runner, which recently opened on Broadway.
"A story of loss, love, resilience and hope. … it's impossible not to be moved."
The Observer's review of Christy Lefteri's novel
Content warnings: the production cover’s themes of war, violence, murder, loss of a child, references to sexual abuse, mental illness, and forced migration. The show also contains strobe lighting, flashing light, haze and sudden loud noises.
Presented by Nottingham Playhouse in association with Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse and UK Productions Ltd
Sponsored by Unison North West
Cast
Company
Adapted for the stage by Nesrin Alrefaai and Matthew Spangler
From the acclaimed novel by Christy Lefteri
Director Miranda Cromwell
Designer Ruby Pugh
Lighting Designer Ben Ormerod
Sound Designer Tingying Dong
Film Designer Ravi Deepres
Composer Elaha Soroor
Casting Director Christopher Worrall
Voice and Dialect Coach Khaled Abunaama
Cultural Consultant Nesrin Alrefaai
Dramatherapist Nikki Disney
Associate Director Nadia Emam
Associate Film Designer Luke Unsworth
Video Programmer Edward Freeman