A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS
Based on the novel by Khaled Hosseini
Music by Sheila Silver; Libretto by Stephen Kitsakos
Directed by Roya Sadat

World Premiere at Seattle Opera
Feb. 25 & 26, 2023
Mar. 3, 5, 8 & 11, 2023
McCaw Hall, Seattle, WA

Beauty. Sacrifice. Resilience. Seattle Opera World Premiere. Set against Afghanistan’s volatile history, this new opera tells the breathtaking story of Mariam and Laila, two Afghan women. Brought together under the brutal Taliban rule, the bond between Laila and Mariam leads to unthinkable sacrifices and ultimately, one family’s survival. Based on Khaled Hosseini's best-selling novel, this story has captured the hearts of millions including American composer Sheila Silver and librettist Stephen Kitsakos who adapted the novel for the opera stage. Directing the production is Afghan filmmaker Roya Sadat, whose trailblazing work as one of Afghanistan’s first female film directors has garnered more than 20 international film awards, including the 2021 Kim Dae-jung Nobel Peace Film Award and the 2018 International Women of Courage Award presented by the United States Department of State.

“The locations in this novel are near to my heart; I grew up in Herat and live in the Kabul neighborhood where the protagonists, Mariam and Laila, lives intersect. Afghanistan’s women have shown strength and resilience in the face of war and an ever-changing political environment. There has never been a more important time for this story to be taking the stage and shared with American audiences." (Roya Sadat)

Evening performances at 7:30 PM. Sunday matinee at 2:00 PM

In English with English subtitles

Performance Time: Approximately 3 hours including one intermission

Developed by The American Opera Project in AOP’s First Chance workshop program