The Beekeeper of Aleppo
Nesrin Alrefaai and Matthew Spangler’s stage adaptation of Christy Lefteri’s gripping bestselling novel, The Beekeeper of Aleppo is heading to Newcastle Theatre Royal (Tue 6 – Sat 10 Jun 2023) as part of a nationwide tour.
The stunning production reunites the team that produced the international stage sensation The Kite Runner, which proved a huge hit with Newcastle Theatre Royal audiences in 2018.
The Beekeeper of Aleppo tells the story of Nuri, a beekeeper; and his wife, Afra, an artist. They live a simple life, rich in family and friends, in the beautiful Syrian city of Aleppo – until the unthinkable happens. When all they care for is destroyed by war, they are forced to escape.
On their terrifying journey, they must face the pain of their own unbearable loss alongside incredible danger. Above all, they must journey to find each other again.
This compassionate and beautiful play is a story of connection – between friends, families and strangers.
Directed by Olivier Award winning Miranda Cromwell (Death of a Salesman – Young Vic, Piccadilly Theatre and Broadway), the production will feature Alfred Clay as Nuri, Roxy Faridany as Afra, Joseph Long as Mustafa, Aram Mardourian as Nadim, Fotakis, Ali and other parts, Daphne Kouma as immigration officer, Dr Faruk, Dahab and other parts, Nadia Williams as Angeliki, Lucy Fisher and other parts, Elham Mahyoub as Mohammed and Sami and Fanos Xenofós and Lily Demir as swings.
The creative team comprises Set and Costume Designer Ruby Pugh, Lighting Designer Ben Ormerod, Sound Designer Tingying Dong, Film Designer Ravi Deepres, Composer Elaha Soroor, Casting Director Christopher Worrall, Voice and Dialect Coach Khaled Abunaama, Cultural Consultant Nesrin Alrefaai, Drama therapist Nikki Disney, Associate Director Nadia Emam, Associate Film Designer Luke Unsworth and Video Programmer Edward Freeman.
Director of The Beekeeper of Aleppo, Miranda Cromwell said: “I am so thrilled to be working on this beautiful adaptation of Christy Lefteri’s stunning book. An arresting, courageous exploration of one family’s struggle to deal with the aftermath of losing everything. Deeply moving and visually striking this layered story illuminates their nearly impossible journey to find a way to live again, a way back to each other. It holds a mirror to this moment in our history when so many people are being forced from their homes. It is a call to arms for compassion, understanding, connection and love.”
Christy Lefteri’s novel 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.
The Beekeeper of Aleppo plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tue 6 – Sat 10 Jun 2023. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.