The III International Theatre Festival named after Rakhymzhan Otarbayev has concluded in Atyrau. The five-day cultural event brought together 11 theatre companies from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Karakalpakstan, presenting audiences with selected productions based on the works of the renowned Kazakh writer and playwright Rakhymzhan Otarbayev.
The festival’s official opening ceremony took place on the stage of the Makhambet Academic Kazakh Drama Theatre. The event was attended by Akim of Atyrau Region Bolat Akchulakov, Secretary General of the International Organization of Turkic Culture TURKSOY Sultan Raev, Head of the Theatre Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan Altyngul Nurbekova, Chair of the Rukhaniyat Foundation named after Rakhymzhan Otarbayev and the playwright’s wife, Saule Otarbayeva.
Among the festival’s honoured guests were People’s Artist of Kazakhstan Meruert Utekesheva, People’s Artist of Kazakhstan Bakhtiyar Kozha, Honoured Workers of Kazakhstan Yerkebulan Daiyrov, Nurniyaz Mukanov and Askhat Mayemirov, People’s Artist of Kazakhstan Dulyga Akmolda, director, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan and recipient of the Order of Kurmet Nurlan Zhumaniyazov, as well as Honoured Artist of Kyrgyzstan, actor and director Busurman Odurakayev.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Akim of Atyrau Region Bolat Akchulakov emphasized the special place of Rakhymzhan Otarbayev’s creative legacy in Kazakh literature and drama.
Otarbayev’s works deeply explore the relationship between the individual and society, honour and responsibility, time and life. Therefore, holding an international festival in his name in the writer’s native region carries particular significance. The regional head also noted that Atyrau has its own well-established theatrical traditions and expressed confidence that the festival would bring new momentum to the region’s cultural life.
The main goals of the festival are to promote Rakhymzhan Otarbayev’s creative heritage, support the development of national theatre, strengthen professional ties among theatre practitioners and expand international cultural cooperation.
From October 12 to 16, performances were staged at the Makhambet Academic Kazakh Drama Theatre and the Atyrau Youth Theatre. The productions were assessed by an international jury consisting of Kazakhstani and foreign theatre professionals.
The festival programme was not limited to stage performances. It also featured meetings with theatre companies and arts professionals, master classes, a scientific conference and professional discussions.
After each performance, jury members and theatre experts held professional discussions focusing on directorial decisions, acting, scenography and musical design.
According to Askhat Musagaliyev, Director of the Makhambet Academic Kazakh Drama Theatre, such professional exchange is especially valuable for theatre practitioners.
— For the audience, a performance ends with the final applause, but professional discussion allows the creative process to continue. For directors and actors, hearing the opinions of experienced experts and critics is an important professional experience, — the theatre director said.
Festival winners
The Grand Prix of the III International Theatre Festival was awarded to the Askar Tokpanov Zhambyl Regional Academic Kazakh Drama Theatre for the production “Qusalyq.”
The production’s director, Artistic Director and Chief Director of the Atyrau Youth Theatre Mukhagali Tomanov, won the award for “Best Director.”
First Place was awarded to the Berdakh Karakalpak State Academic Musical Theatre for Rakhymzhan Otarbayev’s psychological drama “Tupsiz Terendik.”
Second Place went to the East Kazakhstan Regional Drama and Operetta Theatre for “Tuman,” based on Rakhymzhan Otarbayev’s novel “Bas.”
Third Place was awarded to the R. Seitmetov Musical Drama Theatre of Turkistan for the comedy “Songy Spektakl.”
Individual awards
The award for “Best Actress” went to Arailym Baibosyn of the Zhambyl Regional Russian Drama Theatre for her role as Asemay in the production “Gifts from China.”
The award for “Best Scenography” was presented to Rakhat Saparaliyeva for the artistic design of the same production.
The award for “Best Actor” went to Ulykbek Nasirov of the Shymkent City Uzbek Drama Theatre for his portrayal of Amirshi in the drama “Mahabbat Munarasy.”
The award for “Best Supporting Actor” went to Duisen Kadyrkhanov of the Arkalyk Kazakh Theatre for Young Audiences of Kostanay Region.
The award for “Best Supporting Actress” was presented to Zhanar Yabayeva of the K. Zhandarbekov Zhetisay Drama Theatre for her role in the drama “Karasha Qazdar Qaitkanda.”
A special award from the Rukhaniyat Foundation named after Rakhymzhan Otarbayev was presented to Kenen Akurpekov of the Askar Tokpanov Zhambyl Regional Kazakh Drama Theatre for his role as Koko in “Qusalyq.”
Another special award from the foundation was presented to the Shymkent City Theatre of Humor and Satire for the comedy “Actress.”
The Rakhymzhan Otarbayev Special Award was presented to the K. Zhantoshev Issyk-Kul Regional Musical Drama Theatre of Kyrgyzstan for the drama “Qumar Azap.”
Congratulating the winners and participants of the festival, Deputy Akim of Atyrau Region Daryn Shamuratov emphasized the importance of such cultural projects for the development of theatre in the region.
According to him, the festival not only promotes the literary legacy of Rakhymzhan Otarbayev, but also creates opportunities for professional dialogue, creative exchange and the search for new theatrical approaches.
The III International Theatre Festival named after Rakhymzhan Otarbayev stood out not only for the number and geographical diversity of its participants, but also for its rich professional programme. Over five days, different theatre schools and creative approaches came together on the stages of Atyrau, creating new professional connections.
The festival gave theatre companies an opportunity to present their work to international experts and receive professional feedback, while audiences were able to see Rakhymzhan Otarbayev’s works interpreted through different directorial approaches.
Thus, the III International Theatre Festival named after Rakhymzhan Otarbayev concluded as one of the major cultural events in the life of Atyrau.
