From Afghanistan to the Wales Millennium Centre: The young family forced to flee the Taliban
ITV Wales Reporter Issa Farfour meets those behind the true story and the theatre production
The story of a family who fled Afghanistan and made a new life in Cardiff has made it to stage at the Wales Millennium Centre.
In 2000, Hamed Amiri's mother made a speech demanding freedom for Afghan women, angering local Taliban leaders who issued a warrant for her execution.
With no choice but to run, the Amiri family embarked on a long journey out of Afghanistan and across Europe - before settling in Wales.
Hamed told ITV Wales: "If we didn't leave home, my mum would not be around. If we didn't leave home, my brother wouldn't have lived as long as he did.
"That's what the word refugee means, it's a last resort that you have to take for safety for yourself, your family and the next generations.
"And I hope the play talks about that and shows what that journey looks like but also when you come into the UK and what challenges you have internally and externally."
The Boy With Two Hearts has been adapted by Phil Porter for the stage from the book of the same name by Hamed Amiri.
It tells the true story of the Amiri family and Hamed’s elder brother, Hussein, whose heart condition made their journey to the UK all the more critical.
Graeme Farrow, Artistic Director of Wales Millennium Centre, said: “Hamed first told his story to us over two years ago and wondered how, and if, we could tell it on stage at Wales Millennium Centre.
"We knew that it needed care and time and to be told as the Amiri family wanted it to be told.
"It is a story of love, loss, family and connections and of a journey which is difficult, physical, emotional and personal.
"It is also a journey which brought a family to Wales which is now their home. I don’t think that you can fail to be moved and inspired by it."
Hamed added: "I am very excited and emotional to not only see my family's journey come to life on stage, but also get to relive those many precious moments we had along the way."
The stage adaptation of The Boy With Two Hearts, directed by Amit Sharma, will be performed in Wales Millennium Centre’s Weston Studio from 1 - 23 October 2021.