For those of us who were engrossed in the novel, we wondered just how THE BEEKEEPER OF ALEPPO would transfer to the stage. This beautiful play opened last night at the New Theatre in Cardiff and I can tell you it’s as equally powerful and moving as the book.
We actually went along to todays (Wednesday) matinee to give us a chance to catch up with the local book clubs.
It had a lot to live up to with some impressive credentials for Christy Leftieri’s best-selling novel. It was the 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.
This new adaption however is in really safe hands with Nesrin Alrefaai, and Matthew Spangler who adapted the hit West End and now Broadway stage version of The Kite Runner. The production is directed by Olivier Award winning Miranda Cromwell (Death of a Salesman – Young Vic, Piccadilly Theatre and opening on Broadway in September).
Back to the ladies from the local book clubs who had devoured the novel when it was first released. We asked them what they thought of this new stage production, in unison, they wondered how the story would transfer from the page and our imaginations to actors living out this emotional story. This is what they had to say…….
The story follows a Syrian beekeeper Nuri Ibrahim(ALFRED CLAY) and his wife, Afra (ROXY FARIDANY), as they are forced to flee their home when war rips through Syria. It is Nuri who narrates the story which takes us from war torn Aleppo as the couple escape their home and travel across the Middle East and Europe to meet up with Nuri’s cousin Mustafa (JOSEPH LONG).
Of course, writing that in one paragraph makes it sound like a breeze of a journey, but as you can imagine, it’s anything but. Nuri and Afra have to deal with the freezing weather, refugee camps, and threatening sea crossings with mercenary smugglers. Add to that their own personal torments over the loss of their son Sami (ELHAM MAHYOUB) and the journey becomes even more fraught with trouble.
I’ll return to the cast shorty, who are outstanding by the way, but the set, designed by RUBY PUGH is as much a part of the tale as the story itself. The use of multimedia within the production takes it to another level of immersiveness. The music, images and words projected onto the set really enhance the action and take us from Greece to Syria and the UK in a series of flashbacks which move seamlessly through the story.
As good as the staging is this is a story about people and one filled with heart and determination. It asks a question we have all asked ourselves at one time or other: just how far would we go to protect our family? In the case of Nuri the answer is to the end of the earth.
Alfred and Roxy give outstanding performances as the husband and wife who endure more than is good for any couple. Loss is something they face, seemingly on a weekly basis. The loss of their home and country, family and friends, Afra loses her sight. And there is one element of the story, which I won’t reveal here, which brings a whole new twist to the tale.
You do wonder at times just how this couple keep going, what drives them on to find a brighter place and a world which will accept them, without question. The answer to that is simple, Love.
Each and every one of the cast bring an incredible talent to the story which keeps us on our toes as members of the audience, and I’m sure for the players, even more so. You can meet all of the cast in our feature HERE.
This is a story which relates to us all. Not only are the themes incredibly relevant to todays political landscape but the personal journey our main characters find themselves on is one we can all relate to.
In a theatrical world filled with music and dance, which we all love, I can highly recommend a visit to see the show this week while you can. It is smart, engaging and incredibly emotional. If we were a publication which went with the well established star rating (which were not), there would be five of them shining bright above the New Theatre this week for THE BEEKEEPER OF ALEPPO.
The show runs through to Saturday 1st April. Performances are at 7:30pm with a 2:30pm matinee on Saturday, which is also audio description. Tickets range from £18 to £37 and you can get yours HERE.
