Theatrical adaptation of 'The Kite Runner' to be performed October 6 and 7

MIDDLEBURY, Vt. ? On Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 6 and 7, at 7:30 p.m., the Middlebury College Performing Arts Series will present a verbatim theatrical adaptation of “The Kite Runner,” based on the 2003 novel by Khaled Hosseini. The performance will take place in Wright Memorial Theatre, located on Château Road off College Street (Route 125).

Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for senior citizens and children. Online tickets and information are available at www.middlebury.edu/arts. A “Behind-the-Scenes” lunch and discussion will take place on Monday, Oct. 6, at 12:30 p.m., also in Wright Memorial Theatre. This event is free and open to the public, and lunch is provided.

Derived entirely from Hosseini’s novel about contemporary Afghanistan, this performance portrays the improbable friendship between two boys on opposite ends of society and offers a profound exploration of courage, betrayal and devotion. Set against the tumultuous backdrop of Afghanistan in the 1970s, the play features Arian Moayed of American Place Theatre (APT). It is adapted and directed by APT artistic director Wynn Handman.

The event is part of the APT’s performance-based literacy program, Literature to Life, which presents professionally staged verbatim adaptations of significant literary works. This educational program gives students a new form of access to literature by bringing to life the world of books with performances that create an atmosphere of discovery and spark the imagination.

Moayed is an actor of high acclaim. He has appeared in several Off-Broadway productions, including “The Fever Chart,” “Queens Blvd” with director Davis McCullum, “Masked,” “Apartment 3A,” and “Homebody/Kabul.” He has also appeared in several television series, including “Law & Order” and “Six Degrees.” He is a co-founder of Waterwell, an experimental theatre project based in New York City.

Of this performance, author Khaled Hosseini has said, “Stage has always been a powerful medium for story telling … I thank The American Place Theatre for selecting the story of Amir and Hassan, two boys who lived in my mind and are dear to my heart. I am grateful and thrilled.”