'The Kite Runner' Kicks Off New B.I.T.E. Size Series
Sep 7, 2017
DUBUQUE, Iowa – University of Dubuque’s Heritage Center debuts its new B.I.T.E Size Series with a stage presentation of The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini, on Monday, Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 3:30 p.m. in Babka Theatre. Performed by Literature to Life, this award-winning production features 50 minutes of verbatim performance from the first half of the best-selling contemporary novel. The solo-actor stage adaptation mirrors the original short story and utilizes Afghani music as a backdrop for the performance.
B.I.T.E. stands for Babka Intimate Theatre Experiences. The new series of four events showcases one-person or small cast performances in the intimate setting of Heritage Center’s black box venue, Babka Theatre. With a maximum capacity of around 200, Babka Theatre offers general admission and stadium-style seating. A B.I.T.E. Size Series subscription package is available.
WHAT: Live at Heritage Center B.I.T.E. Size Series – The Kite Runner
WHEN: Monday, Oct. 9 – 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 10 – 3:30 p.m.
WHERE: Babka Theatre, Heritage Center, University of Dubuque
TICKETS: $15 adult, $13 UD alumni, $9 child/student
(4-event subscription packages also still available $50 adult, $40 UD alumni, $25 child/student)
Sorab Wadia, an actor and singer based in New York City, takes audience members on a heartbreaking journey of friendship and betrayal in a society of severe class division. He portrays upwards of eight characters, including the story’s young protagonist, Amir. In 2007, Wadia garnered rave reviews for his performance of Hussein al-Mansour in Jihad: The Musical at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Some of his theatrical credits include Antigone and Madame Butterfly. Wadia has also been in films such as Suburban Girl and Hiding Divya as well as television show like Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and 30 Rock.
Published in 2003, The Kite Runner was the first novel about contemporary Afghanistan to be written in English. It became a New York Times bestseller and received critical acclaim, described in reviews as “stunning,” “poignant,” and “powerful.” It was later adapted for a 2007 film of the same name. This rendition of The Kite Runner, adapted and directed by Wynn Handman,is a favorite on the national educational circuit, and it has played in communities from California to Massachusetts.
The novel’s author, Khaled Hosseini, made this statement about the stage adaptation presented by Literature to Life, “Stage has always been a unique and powerful medium for storytelling, direct and intimate, organic and spontaneous. I thank Literature to Life 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.”
Preceding the performance will be brief Q&A discussion with the performer. Audience members are encouraged to stay and reflect on the details of the story and performance.
Other upcoming 2017-2018 B.I.T.E. Size Series events include:
Nov. 10 - 3:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. The Accidental Hero, starring Patrick Dewane
March 19 - 7:30 p.m. Charles Lindbergh: The Lone Eagle, starring Steve Carroll
March 20 - 3:30 p.m.
April 13 - 7:30 p.m. 6 Guitars, starring Chase Padgett
Tickets for The Kite Runner can be purchased Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Farber Box Office, Heritage Center, University of Dubuque, 2255 Bennett Street; by phone at 563.585.SHOW; or online at www.dbq.edu/heritagecenter.
