It’s been a while, hasn’t it? After 2+ years spent mostly away from sound design, I’m SO grateful to be back at work, designing Selling Kabul at Seattle Rep! This story sneaks up on you, and before you know it you’ll be holding your breath, hoping the wrong person doesn’t walk through the door. Selling Kabul by Sylvia Khoury is a 2022 Pulitzer Prize for Drama Finalist! Masterfully directed by Valerie Curtis-Newton.

Taroon once served as an interpreter for the U.S. military in Afghanistan. After the Americans have withdrawn, their promises of protection and safety are no longer there. He now spends his days in hiding from growing presence of the Taliban as he anxiously awaits news from the hospital on the eve of his first child’s birth. What are the consequences of taking sides during wartime? What difficult choices must we make to keep our loved ones as safe as possible in unsafe circumstances?

Yousof Sultani as Taroon, Fatima Wardak as Leyla, and Barzin Akhavan as Jawid

Susaan Jamshidi as Afiya and Fatima Wardak as Leyla

Yousof Sultani as Taroon

Yousof Sultani as Taroon and Barzin Akhavan as Jawid

It was a real joy to dive into Afghan culture, and learn about Afghan music. I truly believe two of the things that bring us together the most cross-culturally are music and food. Share in someone’s food and listen to their music, and you stand to gain some beautiful insight into another person and where they come from. So often what we have seen in the American news cycle overlooks the humanity of everyday Afghan people. People who are living their lives and trying to do what’s best for themselves and their families. This story is about the human cost of political conflict.

Selling Kabul runs until May 22nd, 2022. Tickets are available for both in person and streaming access!