Returning to Cardiff for one week only ahead of a six-week run at the National Theatre, London
A story of hope, from Afghanistan to Wales.
Herat, Afghanistan. 2000.
When a young mother speaks out against the Taliban, she and her husband are forced to flee their home and country with their three sons.
Embarking on a long and terrifying journey across Russia and through Europe, they seek final refuge in the UK.
But, as their eldest son’s life-threatening heart condition worsens and requires urgent surgery, their escape soon becomes a race against time.
“powerful...moving”
“Thrilling, timely and heartfelt”
Following its sell-out opening season in 2021, The Boy with Two Hearts returns to Cardiff prior to its transfer to London's National Theatre.
Based on the original book by Hamed Amiri (BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week) and his family’s extraordinary real-life experiences. This critically acclaimed stage version is a powerful story of hope, courage, and humanity – and a heartfelt tribute to the NHS.
“deserves as wide an audience as possible, from schoolchildren to politicians”
CREATIVE TEAM
Based on the book by Hamed Amiri, adapted for the stage by Phil Porter in collaboration with Hamed Amiri and Hessam Amiri.
Director: Amit Sharma
Designer: Hayley Grindle
Lighting Designer: Amy Mae
Sound Designer and Co-Composer: Tic Ashfield
Songwriter and Co-Composer: Elaha Soroor
Movement Director: Jess Williams
Video Designer: Hayley Egan
Casting Director: Sarah Hughes CDG
Associate Director: Sepy Baghaei
Vocal Coach: Gary Horner
Producer: Pádraig Cusack
CAST
Shamail Ali
Houda Echouafni
Dana Haqjoo
Farshid Rokey
Ahmad Sakhi
Elaha Soroor
PRODUCTION TEAM
Production Manager Tom Robbins
Company Stage Manager Andrew Speed
Deputy Stage Manager Nicola Redfern
Assistant Stage Manager Zoe Wale
Costume Supervisor Daisy Blower
Sound Operator Josh Bowles
Projection Programmer Mike Samuel
Lighting Programmer Mattia Giubasso
Audio Description Script Ioan Gwyn
Wardrobe Maintenance Deryn Tudor
Afghan Costume Consultancy Hamed & Hessam Amiri
Recording Musicians: Giuliano Modarelli (Guitar), Al MacSween (Keyboard/piano) & Gurdain Singh Rayatt (Tabla)
Song Lyrics & Poetry: Mohammad Sharif Saiidi & Afif Bakhtari
Lyrics Translator: Shayan Ravandous
With special thanks to Géhane Strehler
With thanks for production services to DSH Carpentry, Sherman Theatre, Emily Jones, Sanya Torkmorad-Jozavi.
THANK YOU
To the following organisations...
Cardiff & Vale University Health Board
Cardiff Metropolitan University
Cardiff University
Cathays High School
CGI
Coleg Gwent
Daring to Dream
Icon Books
Jerwood Space
NewLaw Solicitors
Oasis Cardiff
Redde Northgate
Target Group
The Royal Mint
University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
University of South Wales
...and these generous individuals...
Alex Murphy
André Picart
Barbara Chidgey
Beth Shiers
Dan Khoshkhou
Dr Haw
Dr Nav Masani
Dr Wilson
Edward Lee
Elham Ehsas
Fahim + family
Géhane Strehler
Guy Rhys
Hussein Hosseini
Lou Platt
Maris Lyons
Mo Jannah
Mohsen Ghaffari
Nia Davies + family
Nicola Howell
Rachel Eyres
Reynette Roberts
Sam Toombs
Sarah Finch
Shala Nyx
Sophie Bradshaw
Sophie Howe
...who've been a part of this journey.
Seats will be allocated on arrival at the Dance House, a short walk from our main entrance. View directions.
Start time:
Mon – Sat 7.30pm, Doors 7pm
Sat 2.30pm, Doors 2pm
No latecomers admitted
Preview: Mon 12 Sep 7.30pm £10
Running time: 2 hours and 5 minutes (including 1 interval)
Age guidance: 10+
Contains occasional strong language, flashing lights and the use of haze. It is a true story which some audience members may find troubling.
Accessible Performances:
All performances creatively captioned in English.
All performances audio described in English.
GROUP OFFER
Groups 10+ £3 off (excluding preview). Organise a group visit.
STUDENTS + UNWAGED
£12
HYNT SCHEME
Available for this production. Find out more.
All offers subject to allocations and availability.
Generously supported by Peter and Jan Swinburn and Bob and Lindsay Clark. Original production supported by the Garfield Weston Culture Fund.
Find out about supporting future productions through our Chair’s Circle.
Open Captioning
Audio Described
