The State Academic Puppet Theater is preparing to open its 91st theatrical season. The new season promises a rich program of exciting creative events and will begin with a special «Premiere Week». From September 15 to 18, audiences will see four new performances for the first time: «Six-Year-Old Alpamys», «Good and Evil», «Taza.kz», and «The Apple of Almaty».
The «Premiere Week» format is well known in theatrical practice and has been implemented by various theaters on numerous occasions. However, this will be the first project of its kind for the Almaty Puppet Theater. Over the course of four days, the theater will present four completely different performances, each addressing important themes such as responsibility, diligence, courage, kindness, and respect for the environment.
The official opening of the 91st theatrical season will take place on September 15 at 2:00 p.m., followed by the premiere of «Six-Year-Old Alpamys» at 3:30 p.m. The performance is based on the feature film of the same name by renowned Kazakhstani film director Abdulla Karsakbayev.
At the center of the story is Alpamys, a kind-hearted and curious six-year-old boy. More than anything, he dreams of going to school together with his friends, but he is still too young to do so. For those who grew up watching Karsakbayev’s film, the performance will offer an opportunity to revisit a familiar story and briefly return to their childhood. Young audiences, meanwhile, will meet Alpamys for the first time - a boy who sincerely strives to learn, discover the world, and grow up.
The premiere is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Abdulla Karsakbayev’s birth. The performance is directed by Shokhan Kulnazarov. The stage adaptation is by Zhazira Akhmetova, the set designer is Yulia Chernova, and the musical arrangement is by David Litvinov. The cast includes Tolqyn Tleuliyeva, Gülim Rakhimova, Rauan Ukarova, Elmira Kumarova, Meirkhan Batyrkhanov, Khanshayim Serikova, Ulan Adambayev, and Bota Tabyldiyeva.
On September 16 at 2:00 p.m., audiences will see the premiere of «Good and Evil». It tells the story of an ordinary boy who, together with his faithful dog, sets out on a dangerous journey, challenges a terrifying dragon, and attempts to save music itself.
Inspired by Kazakh folk tales, the performance invites young audiences to reflect on the nature of good and evil, friendship, loyalty, and courage. It is directed by Anton Zaitsev, who has previously staged such performances at the theater as «The Wolf and the Seven Little Goats», «Geese-Swans», «Forest Magic», «The Little House», and others.
The stage adaptation is by Nazerke Uzaqbek, the set designer is Yulia Chernova, the composer is Alfiya Zemskova, and the choreographer is Saltanam Beimisheva. The cast includes Sabila Abuyeva, Erkesh Zhünisova, Maral Tauyekelova, Altai Tauyekelov, Elvira Süleimenova, Aidyn Zhaqypbayev, Gülvira Beisembayeva, Ulbosyn Momynzhanova, Gülbarshyn Önimbai, Ersultan Tezekbai, Yernar Oralov, Baqyt Däulet, Laura Aitqaliyeva, and Zhandos Tailaqov.
On September 17 at 2:00 p.m., «Taza.kz» will premiere, introducing Almaty Puppet Theater audiences to the genre of theatrical buffoonery for the first time. This performance stands apart from the other premieres in its form. «Taza.kz» is a non-verbal performance with no dialogue or monologues. Audiences do not need to know any particular language to understand it. They simply need to watch, feel, and follow what is happening on stage.
The story unfolds through the actors’ physical expression, facial expressions, movement, and interaction with the scenery and theatrical props. The performance is inspired by the ideas of the nationwide environmental initiative «Clean Kazakhstan» and explores environmental awareness, respect for nature, and a person’s inner purity.
The performance is written and directed by Aliyar Nuradil, the set designer is Yulia Chernova, and the choreographer is Meruert Kalizatova. The cast includes Baqytzhan Qayauov, Asemgül Mansurova, Arailym Baiyrbekova, Yernar Oralov, Örken Zhuma, Däulet Baqyt, Madiyar Uldakhan, and Aruzhan Abdugali.
«Premiere Week» will conclude with «The Apple of Almaty», which audiences will see on September 18 at 2:00 p.m. It is a dramatic story with elements of epic narrative, bringing together several touching storylines set in different historical periods at the foot of the Alatau Mountains. Their silent witness is an apple tree that connects Almaty’s past with its present.
Director Grigory Laiko, who previously staged «Orteke», «The Snow Queen», and «Multi New Year», explores the expressive possibilities of various forms of puppetry as well as shadow puppet theater. Through the lives of its characters, images of nature, and the story of the apple tree, the performance introduces young audiences to Almaty, its history, natural landscape, and unique atmosphere.
The set designer is Anuar Bürkitbayev, and the composer is David Litvinov. The cast includes Bolat Momynzhanov, Elmira Kumarova, Meirkhan Batyrkhanov, Däulet Baqyt, Bota Tabyldiyeva, and Ulan Adambayev. The alternate cast includes Altai Tauyekelov, Arailym Baiyrbekova, Örken Zhuma, Yernar Oralov, Laura Aitqaliyeva, and Zhandos Tailaqov.
Thus, the State Academic Puppet Theater will begin its new theatrical season with four premieres - four very different stories united by a shared desire to speak to young audiences about important ideas through a vivid and contemporary theatrical language.