A.C.T. Adds Performance of A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS Stage Adaptation

Due to high ticket demand, American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) has added a performance of the world-premiere theatrical adaptation of Khaled Hosseini's international best-selling novel, A Thousand Splendid Suns.

The final performance will now take place on February 26 at 7 p.m. Tickets for all performances are available at the A.C.T. Box Office at 415.749.2228 or online at www.act-sf.org. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

The epic story of three generations of Afghan women who are bound together by marriage, family, and a secret past, A Thousand Splendid Suns is set amid the war-torn streets of modern-day Kabul. Strong-willed Laila, unmarried and pregnant, is forced to marry her older neighbor when her family and home are torn apart. In her new home, she forges an extraordinary and unlikely friendship with Mariam, her husband's first wife, and together the two women find the hope and strength to raise a new generation. Adapted for the stage by acclaimed Irish-Indian playwright Ursula Rani Sarma, this stunning new production will feature live music from renowned composer and saw player David Coulter (who was last seen at A.C.T. in 2004 as the band leader in the acclaimed production, The Black Rider: The Casting of the Magic Bullets). Hosseini (The Kite Runner, And the Mountains Echoed), who resides in the Bay Area, has been intimately involved in the production. A Thousand Splendid Suns is a coproduction with Theatre Calgary.

Under the direction of A.C.T. Artistic Director Carey Perloff, A Thousand Splendid Suns features an international cast of actors, including (in alphabetical order) Barzin Akhavan, Denmo Ibrahim, Haysam Kadri, Jason Kapoor, Pomme Koch, Nadine Malouf, Kate Rigg, and Nikita Tewani.

The creative team for A Thousand Splendid Suns includes Ken MacDonald (Set Designer), Linda Cho (Costume Designer), Robert Wierzel (Lighting Designer), Jake Rodriguez (Sound Designer), David Coulter (Composer/Musician), and Humaira Ghilzai (Cultural Consultant).

In connection with A Thousand Splendid Suns, A.C.T. will offer numerous InterACT events-many of which are presented free of charge-that will give patrons opportunities to get closer to the action while having an entire night out at the theater. Visit act-sf.org/interact to learn more about subscribing to these events throughout the season:

• KDFC Prologue:
Tuesday, February 7, 5:30 p.m.
Before the curtain goes up, get a sneak peek at the artistic process at this fascinating preshow discussion with the director and artistic staff, sponsored by KDFC Radio.

• Theater on the Couch:
Friday, February 10, following the 8 p.m. performance
Led by Dr. Mason Turner, chief of psychiatry at San Francisco's Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, this exciting postshow discussion series addresses audience questions and explores the minds, motives, and behavior of the characters.

• Afghan Culture and Community Celebration:
Sunday, February 12, 2 p.m.
After the show, theatergoers will hear Afghan music, sample traditional food, and listen to stories in Fred's Columbia bar, in the lower lobby of The Geary.

• Audience Exchanges:
Tuesday, February 14, 7 p.m. | Sunday, February 19, 2 p.m. | Wednesday, February 22, 2 p.m.
After the show, stick around for a lively Q&A session with the actors and artists who create the work onstage.

• OUT with A.C.T.:
Wednesday, February 15, following the 8 p.m. performance
The best LGBT night in town! Mingle with the cast and enjoy free drinks and treats at this popular after-party.

• A Thousand Splendid Suns Book Club:
Friday, February 17, 7:15 p.m. | Friday, February 24, 7:15 p.m.
Join us for a preshow conversation in The Garret to discuss the themes of Khaled Hosseini's novel, and the theatrical adaptation, with special guests.

February 17 special guests: Mehria Albert and Farzana Bayan, co-creators of Jahane Zan, a weekly worldwide TV show for the Afghan community and Farsi speaking viewers

February 24 special guests: Eva Vander Giessen, chair of the Afghan Friends Network, and Humaira Ghilzai, co-founder of the Afghan Friends Network, an all-volunteer, grass-roots organization that works to improve the lives of women and children, and to empower educators, in Afghanistan.

• Wente Vineyards Wine Series:
Tuesday, February 21, 7 p.m.
Before the show, raise a glass at this wine-tasting event featuring the Bay Area's hottest local winery.

• PlayTime:
Saturday, February 25, 12:45 p.m.
Before this matinee performance, get hands-on with the artists who make it happen at this interactive theater workshop. A.C.T.'s production of A Thousand Splendid Suns is made possible by executive producers Sarah and Tony Earley; Kevin and Celeste Ford; Jo S. Hurley; Jeri Lynn and Jeffrey W. Johnson; John Little and Heather Stallings Little; Burt and Deedee McMurtry; Kathleen Scutchfield; Aaron Vermut and AdriAna Lopez Vermut; Jack and Susy Wadsworth; producers Clay Foundation - West; Mary and Gene Metz; Donald J. and Toni Ratner Miller; Robina Riccitiello; associate producers Gayle and Steve Brugler; Carol Dollinger; Mr. Rodney Ferguson and Ms. Kathleen Egan; Vicki and David Fleishhacker; Dr. and Mrs. Richard E. Geist; Dr. Allan P. Gold and Mr. Alan C. Ferrara; Betty Hoener; Jon and Barbara Phillips; John Riccitiello; John and Sandra Thompson; Doug Tilden; Katherine Welch. Development of A Thousand Splendid Suns was made possible by The Priscilla and Keith Geeslin New Strands Fund and The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation Fund for New Works. A Thousand Splendid Suns is the recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New Play Award.

Photo Credit: Kevin Berne

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