Amok Theater from Brazil will present the Portuguese-language play “Kabul” with Chinese subtitles in Shenzhen.

Set in 1997, during the civil war in Afghanistan when Kabul came under the iron rule of the Taliban, the play looks at the lives of two couples struggling to live under the regime. The Taliban ran the city like a great mass prison; suddenly it was prohibited to laugh in public, for men to shave their beards off, for women to leave the house unaccompanied by a male relative (those found alone would be beaten) or for women to speak unless spoken to.

Maryam and Tariq live in semi-silent misery. Tariq is a jailer who spends his nights in the company of the condemned before taking them to their executions; meanwhile, Maryam struggles with a terminal illness, as pale as death but defiant to the end. The show’s second couple saw their home destroyed by bombs, their jobs taken and their liberties stolen. Madji walks the streets looking for work while Zunaira simply waits; it is prohibited now for women to have jobs. The stage is hugely atmospheric, and the combination of lighting and music gives “Kabul” a cinematic feel. The music itself is quite remarkable, performed by Beto Lemos on a variety of instruments.

Founded in 1998, Amok Theater has been awarded the most important Brazilian theater prizes and has received great recognition from critics and the public alike. Besides putting on shows, the theater develops intense pedagogic activities with an emphasis on actor training, and, at its headquarters, Casa do Amok, it maintains projects for research and exchange, supporting the works of groups and artists from different segments.

Time: 8 p.m., Sept. 26-27

Tickets: 50-380 yuan

Reservations: 400-610-3721

Venue: Shixia Theater Hall, Futian Cultural Hall, 3006 Fuqiang Road (福强路3006号福田区文化馆石厦戏剧主题馆)

Metro: Longgang Line, Yitian Station (益田站), Exit B