This unflinching, life affirming drama, in which love grows and sustains the human spirit even during the hardest of times, is being presented by Leeds Playhouse with Birmingham Rep and Nottingham Playhouse. The play opens in Birmingham ahead of transferring to the Quarry Theatre at Leeds Playhouse from 28 May – 14 June 2025 as part of the national tour.

Directed by former Birmingham Rep and Hampstead Theatre Artistic Director Roxana Silbert, the production is set in 1992 in an Afghanistan ravaged by war. Orphaned Laila is left alone in an increasingly threatening world, but her older neighbour Rasheed is quick to open his home to take Laila as his second wife.

Rasheed’s first wife Mariam has no choice but to accept her younger, and now pregnant, rival. As the Taliban take over, life for all of them becomes a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear, and the two women find themselves unlikely allies.

Tickets are on sale to Leeds Playhouse’s Priority Access, Playhouse Pass Members and Under 30 Members from 24 September, with tickets on general sale from 1 October.