The Beekeeper of Aleppo

With the world on a knife-edge as the war in the Middle East escalates, I think about the powerful lyrics of the 1970 Edwin Starr song, War.

 ‘War, what is it good for? Absolutely nothing.  War, I despise ‘Cause it means destruction of innocent lives
War means tears to thousands of mother’s eyes
When their sons go off to fight
And lose their lives’.

It is the most powerful anti-war song, which touches at the very heart of us all because it’s the innocent people whose lives are damaged the most.  Whilst world leaders seem intent on destruction, people lose their loved ones, their homes and their livelihoods and seek to find refuse in a safer place.

Christy Lefteri wrote The Beekeeper of Aleppo, published in 2019, after spending two summers volunteering in Athens at a refugee centre.  The novel deals with the plight of refugees fleeing from Syria during the Syrian Revolution. Winner of the Aspen Words Award, Runner up for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, and one of The Times top three bestselling books of 2020, Christy Lefteri’s best-selling novel is adapted by Nesrin Alrefaai, and Matthew Spangler who adapted The Kite Runner. The production produced in association with UK Productions had its world premiere at Nottingham Playhouse in early 2023 and went on to tour the UK, receiving rave reviews wherever it played.

Nuri is a beekeeper; his wife, Afra, an artist. They live a simple life, rich in family and friends, in the beautiful Syrian city of Aleppo – until the unthinkable happens. When all they care for is destroyed by war, they are forced to escape. On their terrifying journey, they must face the pain of their own unbearable loss alongside incredible danger. Above all, they must journey to find each other again. This compassionate and beautiful play is a story of connection – between friends, families and strangers.

‘I was scared of the bees at first, but now, they make me feel alive. They are like a society in complete harmony with itself. Not like people at all, but maybe what people have the potential to be.’

The scenery, scenic art, costumes and props were all made by Nottingham Playhouse workshops, supported by a team of freelances.  The set design works seamlessly to represent the various locations during the long and arduous journey.

Adam Sina as Nuri, gives an outstandingly powerful performance as he tries to keep himself strong for his wife, Afra, played by Farah Saffari. The traumas of the war, losing their son and the struggles to find safety take their toll on their physical and mental health.

Joseph Long as Nuri’s cousin, Mustafa, brings a warmth and humour to the role adding a lightness to the intense emotional journey we’re taken on.  Mustafa makes it to the UK, after travelling through many safe countries along the way, only to find that it’s not the golden dream he’d hoped for, but his love of bees brings him new connections. ‘When there are bees, there is life and hope’.

The whole cast commit to their roles, but sometimes were a little difficult to hear in such a vast space. It is a very thought-provoking piece of theatre, which makes you think about the humanity and individual stories behind all the trauma.  ‘Say it again…War, what is it good for? Absolutely nothing!’

Reviewed by:

Yvonne Delahaye (X – @yvonnedelahaye)

3/3/26