This production of the Khaled Hosseini bestseller set in Afghanistan returns to Birmingham Rep where it premiered in 2019. A lot has happened since then – not least in Afghanistan where women’s rights have been stripped away, ensuring Hosseini’s story is more relevant than ever.

It is hard not to watch this show, which focuses on the fates of two women who face violence both in the home and on the streets of Kabul, and not think of the many women whose lives are mirrored by the story on stage.

Adapted by Ursula Rani Sarma the production jumps to part-way through Hosseini’s novel when 15-year-old Laila loses her parents and home in a bomb strike. Alone and vulnerable she is taken into the home of neighbour Rasheed but this is not an act of kindness, Rasheed wants to marry the girl.

However Rasheed’s first wife Mariam resents the newcomer and sets out to make her miserable. But as the regimes tighten controls on all women and their husband shows his true nature as a man of cruelty, the wives realise their best hope lies in each other.

Directed by former Birmingham Rep artistic director Roxana Silbert, the production doesn’t shy away from showing us just how harsh those regimes can be. When Mariam and Laila attempt to escape we see the dangers they face in a society which is resolute in crushing women.

And there is little doubt that in any free society both women would have dumped Rasheed long ago – he is only able to maintain his authority because the society they live in permits and encourages him. Jonas Khan gives us a Rasheed who reigns through fear because he can – and what makes him worse is the fact he is constantly telling his wives how lucky they are to have him to protect them from the threats outside their door!

Kerena Jagpal’s Laila begins the story as a teenager in a loving home with her parents then goes through the ordeal of Rasheed and discovers a new strength as a mother intent on protecting her children. Rina Fatania’s Mariam is initially sullenly resentful but gradually opens up to those around her, discovering not only that she can be loved but that she can love. Humera Syed brings a note of innocence and optimism as Laila’s daughter Aziza.

This production has replaced the sandy vistas of the 2019 sets for a more conceptual staging with all the action taking place on a series of geometric shapes and carpet patterns. This enhances the sense of the women being trapped but doesn’t necessarily bring to mind the landscapes of Afghanistan.

A Thousand Splendid Suns is a powerful work of theatre which touches us on many levels. We feel desperation for the situation the women find themselves in and anger at the abuse they receive from someone who should love and protect them. But we are also inspired by their refusal to give in, their determination to defend each other and the beacon of hope their friendship provides.

Four stars

A Thousand Splendid Suns was reviewed by Diane Parkes on Wednesday 17 April at Birmingham Rep, where it shows until Saturday 3 May