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A Thousand Splendid Suns

Tue 01 Jun 2027 - Sat 05 Jun 2027

Birmingham Rep 

Originally co-produced by Birmingham Rep, Nottingham Playhouse and Leeds Playhouse. 
 
by Ursula Rani Sarma 
Based on the book by Khaled Hosseini 
Directed by Kimberley Sykes 
Set & costume design by Simon Kenny 
 
Birmingham Rep presents its powerful production of Khaled Hosseini’s bestselling novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns, which has sold over 38 million copies worldwide and is Hosseini’s spiritual sequel to The Kite Runner. 

In 1992 in an Afghanistan ravaged by war, an orphaned Laila is left alone in an increasingly threatening world. Her older neighbour Rasheed is quick to open his home and takes Laila as his second wife. 

Rasheed’s first wife Mariam has no choice but to accept her younger, and now pregnant, rival. As the Taliban take over, life for all of them becomes a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear, and the two women find themselves unlikely allies. 
 
Design © Bloomsbury Publishing Plc. 

Reviews

★★★★★ 'A gorgeous story of survival'- Voice Magazine, on The Rep's 2025 production
★★★★ 'An essential piece of modern theatre' - WhatsOnStage, on The Rep's 2025 production
'A triumph of theatrical storytelling' - Best of Birmingham

Additional Information

Age Guidance: 14+ 
Content Warning: The story contains sensitive content including violence, sexual assault, domestic abuse, murder, death, trauma, miscarriage, suicide, underage marriage and misogyny plus some strong and offensive language.

 

Accessible Performances

BSL by Emma Jane Mansfield: Thurs 3rd June 2027 at 7.30pm
Audio Described by Caroline Burn: Thurs 3rd June 2027 at 7.30pm, Touch Tour at 6.15pm

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Mariam is handing a traditional Afghani dress to Laila, who is seated to the floor, in casual Westernised clothing. Zoom in Rasheed and Laila are being married in a traditional ceremony. Her face is covered by a veil. Mariam sits behind, with a distressed expression on her face. All of the characters have their hands raised in prayer. Zoom in Mariam, Rashed and Laila, are seated on colourful rugs, all in traditional Afgahni attire. The mood is tense, as Rasheed stares joyously at Laila while the two women look forlorn. Zoom in Three characters on stage expressing varied emotions. Laila’s father Hakim stands joyfully with raised arms, whilst Laila appears amused, and her mother crouches down over a suitcase, seemingly distressed. Zoom in

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