Stage Door News
Stage Door News
The Grand Theatre is thrilled to announce a first-time collaboration with the American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.), bringing A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS to the Spriet Stage. This acclaimed stage adaptation, based on the award-winning novel by Khaled Hosseini, had its world premiere in San Francisco in July 2016 and became the bestselling production in A.C.T.’s history. The Grand’s production will premiere an all new, all Canadian cast with original staging by A.C.T. Artistic Director Carey Perloff. The Title Sponsor for A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS is London’s Selectpath.
“I have had a long association with Carey Perloff. A few years ago, she sent me a draft of this play. Powerful, vital, shocking, and relevant are words that came to mind as I read the script. I didn’t have to get too far to know that I wanted to be part of the life of this play,” said Dennis Garnhum, Artistic Director of the Grand Theatre. “This incredible collaboration of international artists has created a play that exposes the struggle and resilience of women in Afghanistan.”
Set in the war-torn neighbourhoods of 1990s Kabul, A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS tells the epic story of three generations of Afghan women. When battle upends her family, Laila must seek shelter, first in the home and then in the arms of her older neighbour. Soon she forges an extraordinary and unlikely friendship with Mariam, her new husband’s first wife. Summoning the strength to defy a tyrannical society, the two women seek hope and the promise of a better future. The production was adapted for the stage by acclaimed Playwright Ursula Rani Sarma and features music composed and performed by David Coulter.
“Performing in the premiere of this adaptation of Khaled Hosseini’s masterful novel, A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS, was unquestionably a highlight in my career as an actor,” said Director Haysam Kadri, who played Rasheed in the original A.C.T production. “Now, as the director, I’m a part of shaping the story, finding the nuance from the other side of the table, and revisiting why the play’s message carries such currency.”
The Canadian cast, each of whom is making their debut at the Grand, features Mirian Katrib as Laila and Deena Aziz as Mariam, with Gerry Mendicino, Anousha Alamian, Shelly Antony, Natascha Girgis, Tarick Glancy, Jessica Grossi, Omar Alex Khan, Baraka Rahmani, and London’s Hayden Baertsoen. Elements taken from the world premiere in San Francisco include the set designed by Canadian Ken MacDonald, costumes (created at the Grand) designed by Tony-award nominee Linda Cho, lighting by Robert Wierzel, music compositions by David Coulter, and the original staging by Perloff, who will be in London on March 12 as part of the Grand’s next panel discussion, Storytelling as Activism.
During the run of the show, the upper lobby will feature a photo exhibit from Canadian Women for Women in Afghanistan (CW4WAfghan), a national non-profit organization that advances education and educational opportunities for Afghan women and their families, as well as educates Canadians about human rights in Afghanistan. In addition, during Saturday performances, CW4WAfghan will be on site with an Afghan marketplace, selling items by Afghan artisans with 100% of the proceeds going back into the organization.
Benefit Performance & Panel – March 24, 2pm
On March 24, the Grand will host a benefit performance of A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS. A portion of the proceeds from this performance will be donated to CW4WAfghan. Following the show will be a panel entitled Beyond the Headlines: What Does the Future Hold for Afghanistan?, with special guests CW4WAfghan Programs Director Dr. Lauryn Oates and Senior Director Murwarid Ziayee. The panel will be moderated by Kate McKenzie, founder of Worldviews Productions.
A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS is on stage at the Grand Theatre from March 13 to March 31, 2018. Tickets are $29.95 to $84 (includes HST and CIF – prices subject to change) and are available at grandtheatre.com, by phone at 519-672-8800, or at the Box Office, 471 Richmond Street.
2018-03-01
London: The Grand Theatre presents "A Thousand Splendid Suns" March 13-31