The Kite Runner Play Guide - Actors Theatre of Louisville

Writing PortfolioPERSONALThe action of The Kite Runner is centeredon Amir’s need to atone for his betrayal ofHassan. Write a personal narrative about atime you failed or wronged a friend. Whatwere the circumstances? Why did you doit? Did you seek forgiveness? What did youlearn from this experience? Now write fromyour friend’s perspective. Try to imaginethe same situation from their point of view.TRANSACTIVEWrite a review of the performance of TheKite Runner that you saw at Actors Theatreof Louisville. Describe what it was like towatch the play, but be sure to write morethan just the plot of the play. Think abouthow the play tells the story. Make theexperience come alive for the reader. Uselots of sensory details when describing theplay’s elements, like the costumes, lights,props, and music. Also consider how theactors delivered their lines, and how thedirector realized the vision of the play. Letthe reader decide for themselves if the playis worth seeing.LITERARYThe Kite Runner is a work of fiction thatreferences actual historical events, likethe Soviet occupation of Afghanistan andthe rise of the Taliban. Research a majorpolitical upheaval and/or war and write afictional short story that heavily features themain characters and plot pointsDiscussion QuestionsPre-Show Questions1. The Kite Runner is an adaptation of a novel. Can you thinkof other works that have been adapted from a book into a stageor film production? What about movies that have become plays?Why do you think it happens so often? What are the challenges ofadaptation? What other books or movies do you think would makea good play? Which ones do you think would not translate verywell on stage?2. In The Kite Runner, the fact that Amir and Hassan are ofdifferent ethnic and religious backgrounds (Pashtun Sunni andHazara Shia) poses obstacles for their friendship. Can you think ofexample of other places and/or time periods in which societies haveresisted friendships between different ethnicities? Do you think thatsuch resistance exists in the United States today? Why or why not?Post-Show Questions1. Were you surprised by how Afghanistan and Afghans wereportrayed in The Kite Runner? Did the play change your view ofAfghanistan? How? Did you learn something new about thecountry and the people?2. The Kite Runner explores the themes of forgiveness andredemption. Could you relate to Amir? Have you ever neededforgiveness from a friend? How did you go about asking your friendto forgive you? Were you successful? Why or why not?3. The Kite Runner portrays Amir and his father immigrating tothe United States. Is there an immigrant story in your own family?Did your family ever move from one location to another? Whatwere some of the challenges that you or your family faced due tothis move or immigration?12