Everyone who loves the world of fairy tales and believes in kindness, in a hurry to get tickets of the Puppet Theater. There are no restrictions on the age of the person. The visitor of the theater in the play finds peace of mind and finds a special mood! Children's world is the most fun, the real! Moreover, our society needs such purity of soul!

Theatre history

Theatre history

 

The State Puppet Theater of Almaty was established in 1935. In the theater space of Kazakhstan, this one was the first puppet theater. In other cities of Kazakhstan, other puppet theaters were created in the 80ꞌs. For 88 years, puppets of all kinds have appeared on its stage – from simple cane to complex puppets. The theater raised and educated several generations of talented actors, puppeteers, directors, artists, many of whom have been devoted to theater – puppet art for decades.     

During the formation of the theater, Kazakh-Russian actors troupes worked. The first directors of the puppet shows «Aldar-Kose» and «Otegen Batyr» were the leading actors of the Kazakh Drama Theater K. Batyrov, S. Telgaraev; who completed special courses of puppeteers, A. Fedorchenko, A. Ancharov and invited master puppeteers D. Lipman and O. Tarasova. Composers such as L. Khamidi and B. Erzakovich worked on the musical design of the first performances. Talented art historians and directors who contributed to the development of the theater worked on the way to the formation of the theater.

The theater, which celebrated its 88ꞌth anniversary since its founding, raised and educated several generations of talented actors, puppeteers, directors, artists, many of whom have been devoted to theater – puppet art for decades. The collective that has reached a high level at international and national theater festivals both in the country and abroad has clear goals for the future. This is the development of the art of the Kazakh puppet theater. The repertoire of the theater was replenished with performances staged according to the well-known Pushkin tales and works of classics. The activities of the theater were aimed at educating the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism, humanism and friendship between peoples. The current repertoire of the theater includes about 50 performances, which are in Kazakh and Russian.  

The theater, which found its audience, is inspired by today's life. He has been participating in festivals for many years, winning prizes and contributing to the development of Kazakh puppet art:

– 1964 year. International festival of puppet theaters, Tashkent. O. Aubakirov «Aldar Kose». Awarded a diploma;

– 1966 year. I international festival of puppet theatres, the city of Frunze. The performances «Aldar Kose» by A.Ismailov and «Big Ivan» by S.Obrazsov were presented. The performances were awarded with diplomas «Best performance»;

– 1970 year. II international festival of puppet theaters Frunze city. The premiere of performance «Kerbakbay» J.Carbozyne;

– 1970 year. All-Union festival of drama and theater of the peoples of the USSR Moscow. The Play «The Adventure Of Salamura» by A.Sulkauri;

– 1974 year. III international festival of puppet theaters, Tashkent. O.Aubakirov's performance «Sport and Leather» was awarded a diploma «For a performance with an important theme»;

– 1975 year. Festival of puppet theaters that took place in the city of Frunze. The play «Kerbakbay» J.Carbozyne awarded an honorary diploma;

–        1975 year. All-Union exhibition. The play «Soldier's bowler hat» was staged»;

– 1979 year. International festival of puppet theaters Tashkent city. O.Aubakirov's performance «Leather and sport» was awarded the diploma «For the best performance»;

– 1981 year. Vietnam. Kampuchea. «The legend of the white bird» by N. Orazalin;

– 1987 year. A Republican festival of puppet theatres of the city Kostanay. Participated in the performances «Aibolit», «Zvezdochka»;

– 1990 year. Festival of puppet theaters in Petropavlovsk. The play «Kanbak shal» directed by K.Yeshmuratova was awarded the diploma»audience choice»;

– 1990 year. International festival of puppet theaters Arkhangelsk. The play «Kanbak shal» directed by K.Yeshmuratova was awarded an honorary diploma;

– 1990 year. International festival of puppet theaters Arkhangelsk city. The play «Kanbak shal» directed by K.Eshmuratova was awarded an honorary diploma;

– 1994 year. The play «Kanbak shal» took part in the International Festival of Puppet Theaters (Islamic Republic of Iran, Tehran);

– 1995 year. International festival of the city of Tashkent. The play «Melody of Friends» took part and was awarded a diploma;

– 1997 year. The festival took place in the city of Zhezkazgan. The play «Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves» was awarded in the category «Best Performance»;

– 1998 year. The theater staff took part in the festival of puppet theaters of the city of Pavlodar with the play «Kurmangazy»;

– 2000 year. The theater staff took part in the festival of the city of Atyrau with the play «Akku Zhibek»;

– 2003 year. The theater participated in the days of Kazakhstan in Russia, which was held in the city of Kurgan;

– 2004 year. The theater staff took part in the International Festival of Puppet Theaters «Alakai» in the city of Aktobe with the play «Atameken»;

– 2004 year. The theater staff toured the People's Republic of China;

– 2005 year. International festival «Orteke» of Aktau city. The theater staff took part in the play «The Big Adventures of a Little Frog» and was awarded in the nomination «Best Performance»;

– 2008 year. The staff of the State Puppet Theater performed at the Ognivo Puppet Theater and the Central House of Artists in Moscow at the invitation of the Puppet Theater – XXI Century Association;

– 2009 year. Tours to China, Guangzhou city. Also, the theater staff took part in the International Festival «Karagez» with the play «Dolls Show» (Republic of Turkey, Bursa);

– «Grand Prix» in the nomination «The best theatrical scenery and puppet design» for the play «The Old Rolling Stone» at the World Puppet Festival held in June 2010 in Prague;

– 2011 year. International Festival of Puppet Theaters (Japan, Iida). Performance «Kanbak shal» Diploma for participation;

– 2011 year. Folklore festival in the city of Bursa (Republic of Bulgaria) with the play «Dala Kerueni»;

– 2011 year. International carnival of dolls held in the city of Almaty;

– 2013 year. III International Festival of Puppet Theaters «Orteke» in Astana. The theater staff took part in the play «How to Treat Lion's Fear?» and was awarded «Best Actor's Work»;

– 2014 year. Festival dedicated to the 120th anniversary of V.Schwemberger in Bishkek (Republic of Kyrgyzstan). «Grand Prix» for the play «Kashtanka»;

– «Grand Prix» at the IV International Festival of Puppet Theaters, dedicated to the celebration of the 80th anniversary of the theater. The performance «Kashtanka», Almaty, 2015;

– 2017 year. Bishkek, Republic of Kyrgyzstan. ІІ International Festival of Puppet Theaters «Tak-Teke» Diploma for participation with the performance of A.P. Chekhov «Kashtanka». Nominations «For the best directing» and «For a peculiar reading of the classics, through a doll»;

– May 28, 2017 year. Republic of Moldova, Chisinau city. International Festival of Puppet Theaters «Under the Gugutse Hat». Diploma «For the Promotion of National Traditions» and «Best Manager» to the director of the theater, Yesenaliev Talgat Kamkabaevich;

– From June 5 to June 9, 2017 year. Republic of Tatarstan. XIII International Festival «Nauryz». Diploma for participating in the festival staged by Golden Man (ed: A. Fayzulla, dir.: Y. Utkin);

– From August 1 to 9, 2017, at the VII International Theater Festival, held in the Republic of Turkey, under the leadership of the Ankara Municipality, the theater team participated with the play «Dolls Show» (ed. And director: S. Shukurov, K. Eshmuratova). In addition, the Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Turkey, Abzal Saparbekuly, handed a letter of thanks to the theater staff;

– From September 2 to 8, 2017, the 1st Republican Forum-Festival among young directors of drama theaters named after Kairat Sugirbekov was held in Astana. The theater staff participated in the play «Foal and Pup» (author: Zh. Omarov, dir.: R. Zhanyamanov) and was awarded a special diploma;

– From October 19 to 27, 2017, at the III International Ankara Festival in the Republic of Turkey, the theater team participated with the performances «Doll shows» and «How to treat lion fear?». During the festival, in addition to performances, lectures and seminars for theater artists were given, exhibitions on puppet theater art were organized;

– From February 1 to 15, 2018. The theater team participated in the V International Festival of Performing Arts «Revelation» with the production of «Mother's Heart» (ed.: A. Ionov, dir.: A. Zaitsev);

– From April 20 to 22, 2018. City of Aktobe. III International Festival «Balausa» dedicated to the 95th anniversary of T. Akhtanov. the theater team participated in the staging of the tragedy «Maternal Field» (ed.: Sh.Aitmatov, dir.: D.Zhumabaeva). Actress D.Isa was awarded the nomination «Best Debut» for the role of «Aliman»;

– From September 22 to 27, 2018. City of Aktobe. International Festival of Puppet Theaters «Assalaumagaleikum – V». «Grand Prix» in the nomination «Best Performance» staged by «Maternal Heart»;

– From October 22 to 29, 2018. Republic of Tajikistan, the city of Dushanbe. The theater team participated in the VI International Festival of Puppet Theaters «CHODARI KHAEL» with the production of «Mother's Heart»;

– From November 10 to 14, 2018. The city of Ust-Kamenogorsk. II Republican Theater Festival of Performances of Small Forms named after Rustem Yesdauletov. The tragedy of Euripides «Medea» was awarded the «Special Prize» named after R.Esdauletov from the akim of the region and «Best Director» to the director of the play A.Salban;

– From November 12 to 17, 2018. Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek city. International Theater Festival in honor of the 90th anniversary of the great writer Chingiz Aitmatov «AITMATOV and THEATER». The tragedy of the writer «Mother Field» was awarded the «Special Jury Prize»;

– From February 26 to March 6, 2019, the theater team participated in the VII Theater Festival and Laboratory of small-form performances «CHELoBEK TEATRA» (RF, Chelyabinsk) with the performance «Maternal Field»;

– From June 1 to 9 of the current year, the theater participated in the XIV International Theater Festival of Turkic Peoples «Nauruz» (Russia, Kazan) with the performance «Romeo and Juliet» (ed.: U.Shakespeare, dir.: D.Zhumabaeva);

– From June 22 to 30, the theater team participated in the «KukART» festival (Russia, St. Petersburg) with the play «Mother’s Heart» and won the nominations for «The Best Performance» and «Best Acting Ensemble»;

– From September 24 to 30, the theater participated in the VI International Festival of Puppet Theaters «Visiting Harlequin» (Russia, Omsk) with the play «Mother’s Heart» (ed: A. Ionov, dir.: A. Zaitsev);

– From October 19 to 26, the theater team participated in the V International Festival of Puppet Theaters «Ankara» (Turkey, Ankara) with the performances «Romeo and Juliet» and «Mother’s Heart»;

– From October 30 to November 4 of the current year, the theater participated in the I International Theater Festival «TeART-Kokshe» (Kazakhstan, Kokshetau) with the play «Mother’s Heart»;

– From December 15 to 18, 2019, the theater team participated in the I International Puppet Theater Festival «Kuklyandiya» (Kazakhstan, Karaganda) with the play «Dolls Show»;

– In 2019, according to the results of the monitoring of "Kazakhstani theaters" by the association "International Theater Critics", the theater team received the nomination "Theater of the Year for the best work with the Media".

– On February 13, 2020, the collective of the State Puppet Theater and the play «Aistenok and the Scarecrow» (directed by D.Burman) received the «Critics' Prize».

– From October 17 to 25, 2020. Puppet Theater participated in  the VI International Festival of Puppet Theaters “Ankara” with the play "Romeo and Juliet" (director: D. Zhumabayeva) and became a diploma winner;

– In 2020, according to the results of the monitoring of "Kazakhstani theaters" by the association "International Theater Critics", the theater team received the nomination "Theater of the Year for the best work with the media".

- In January 2021, the puppet theater received the “Critics' Award” from the International Association of Theater Critics, as well as the nomination “The Best Play for Children - the play “Teremok (director: A. Zaitsev)”;

- On March 27, 2021, the puppet theater was awarded with the national theater prize "ERGUU-2021" of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan in the nomination "The Best foreign play based on a work of a Kyrgyz author" for the play "Mother's field" (director: D. Zhumabayeva);

- From June 7 to 13, 2021, the puppet theater participated in the XV International Theater Festival "Nauruz", which took place in the city of Kazan (Russia), with the play "Abai. Impressions" (director: A. Zaitsev);

- From June 22 to 30, 2021, the puppet theater took part in the XV International Festival of Puppet and Synthetic Theaters "KUKART", which was hold in St. Petersburg (Russia), with the play "Romeo and Juliet" (director: D. Zhumabayeva), and was awarded with the nomination "For a unique reading of the William Shakespeare's work in the Kazakh language";

- From October 4 to 8, 2021, the puppet theater participated in the III International theater festival “TeART-Kokshe” in Kokshetau city with the play “Abay. Impressions” (director: A.Zaitsev) and was awarded with the nomination “Best director”:

- From October 11 to 16, 2021, the puppet theater participated in the Ashirbek Sygai the Republican theater festival “Syn – shyn bolsyn” (translated as “Critic must be truthful”) in the city Karagandy with the play "Romeo and Juliet" (director: D. Zhumabayeva) and won the honourable I place:

 – On October 19-26, 2021, the puppet theater took part  in the VII International Festival of Puppet Theaters "Ankara", which was held in the capital of Turkey. with a performance for adults "Macbeth. Illusion" (dir.: D.Zhumabayeva) and with a production for children "Teremok" (dir.: A.Zaitsev);

– In 2021, according to the results of the monitoring of "Kazakhstani theaters" by the association "International Theater Critics", the theater team received the nomination "Theater of the Year for the best work with the Media":

– On April 11-17, 2022, the puppet theater took part in the festival "Week of Performances about Love" of the Total Theater in Almaty with the play "Romeo and Juliet" (dir.: D. Zhumabayeva) and won the nomination "Favorite Performance";

– On April 20-25, 2022, the puppet theater took part in the V International Festival of Experimental Performances "BALAUSA" in Aktobe with the play "Macbeth. Illusion" (dir.: D.Zhumabayeva), where won the Grand Prize in the nominations "Best Production", "Best Scenography";

– On May 20-30, 2022, the puppet theater took part in the XIV International Theater Festival of Turkic-speaking countries "A Thousand breaths - one voice" in the city of Konya of the Turkish Republic with the play "Macbeth. Illusion" (directed by D. Zhumabayev) and achieved a special diploma:

– On June 14, 2022, the staff of the puppet theater was awarded with the nomination "Best Theater" at the award ceremony of the professional theater award "Enlikgul-2022", organized by the Union of theater workers of Kazakhstan:

– On September 20-23 of 2022, the puppet theater took part in the VI International Festival of Puppet Theaters "Assalaumagaleikum" with the play "Abai. Impressions" (dir.: Anton Zaitsev) and took the "Grand Prix" in the nomination "Best play for adults;

– On September 20-23, 2022, the puppet theater took part in the II International Theater Festival "Abish alemi" with the play "Romeo and Juliet" (dir.: D. Zhumabayeva) and received the nomination "Best Director's Work";

– From September 23 to 25, 2022, the artist of the Puppet Theater Bolat Momynzhanov took part in the "I Republican festival of mono performances" organized in Uralsk in honor of the 105th anniversary of the birth of Khadija Bokeeva with the monoplay "The Puppet" and was awarded with a special diploma;

– On October 1-6, 2022, the puppet theater took part in the XVIII International Puppet Festival "Golden Dolphin" in the city of Varna, Republic of Bulgaria, with the play "Romeo and Juliet" (dir.: D. Zhumabayeva) and received the "Grand Prix" in the adult performances section. In addition, for the roles of Tybalt, Lorenzo, Capulet, Montague, Benvolio in this performance, the artist Shohan Kulnazarov received the nomination "Best Male Role". And young artists who played the roles of Romeo and Juliet - Ulan Asanbek and Ulpan Serik became the winners of the nomination "Best Debut":

– On October 15-23, 2022, the puppet theater took part in the VIII International Festival of Puppet Theaters "Ankara" in the capital of Turkey with a performance for adults "The Old Man and the Sea" (dir.: D.Zhumabayeva) and with a production for children "The Old Man Kanbak". At the end of the festival, the theater received a special diploma for participation:

– On October 25-29, 2022, the puppet theater took part in the IV International Theater Festival "TeART-Kokshe" in the city of Kokshetau with a performance for adults "Macbeth. Illusion" (dir.: D.Zhumabaeva). At the end of the festival, theater artist Shokhan Kulnazarov received a special "Yakov Kuklinsky Award" for the role of Macbeth;

– In December of 2022, by  following the results of 2022 and by the decision of the International Uninion of Theater Critics artist of the theater, an Excellent Worker of Culture Bakytzhan Kayuov received the nomination "Actor of the year among the puppet theaters" for the role of Shal in the play "The Old Man and the Sea", and a play based on the Kazakh folk tale "Ur, tokpak!" (dir.: E. Kabdyl) received the nomination "Performance of the Year among the puppet theaters";

– In April of 2023, our theater took part in the International Theater Festival "TOTAL Fest: the main figure" organized by the theater company "Total theater". We participated with the play "Abay. Impressions" (dir.: A.Zaitsev) and received a special diploma. In addition, as a result of the audience vote, the artist Ruslan Abu received the nomination "Beloved actor" for the role of Icarus in this performance.

– From April 22 to 28, 2023, the puppet theater participated in the VI International Festival of puppet theaters "Orteke" with the participation of the director of the program "Abay. Impressions" (dir. In the play "the best acting", he was awarded the nomination "Best Acting".

– From June 7 to 10, 2023, the puppet theater took part in the I Republican festival of directors and scenographers named after Chapai Zulkhash witch took place in Atyrau with the performance for adults "Medeya" (dir.A,Salban). After the conclution of the festival the artist of the play A. Zhusupali was awarded the nomination "Best scenographer".

– On June 13, 2023, the artistic director of the theater E. Kabdil was awarded with the Professional award of theatrical art "Enlikgul-2023" in the nomination "the best creative work of the year in a children's play".  Also with the same award was awarded the director of the theater A.Zaitsev, but in the nomination "The best director of the year".

– Our theater participated in the III International Festival of puppet theaters "Kuralai", which was held in Astana from June 25 to 29, 2023 with the psychological monoplay "The Puppet". At the end of the festival artist Bolat Momynzhanov who played the main role was awarded with the nomination "Best Actor";

– From July 30 to August 5, 2023, our theater team participated in the X International Open-Air Puppet Theater Festival "Puppet days", held in Burgas, Republic of Bulgaria, with the performance "Puppet show" (dir.: K. Eshmuratova, S. Shukurov). At the end of the festival we ware awarded with the Grand Prix for our performance;

– On September 9-13, 2023, in the city of Ryazan in Russian Federation, we participated in the XIX International Festival of puppet theaters "Ryazan screenings" with the performance "The Old Man and the Sea" (dir.: D. Zhumabayeva). At the end of the festival we received a special diploma and recognized as the best.\

– From October 9 to 15, 2023, the puppet theater took part in the XXIX Republican Festival of Drama Theaters of Kazakhstan, dedicated to the 125th anniversary of Temirbek Zhurgenov, which was held in the city of Petropavlovsk, with the play "The Old Man and the Sea" (dir.: D. Zhumabayeva). At the end of the festival, the theater received a special diploma for participation, фтв the artist B.Kayuov received the nomination "Best Actor" for the role of Santiago.

– From December 11 to 16, 2023, the theater took part in the XX International Bursa Karagos Puppet and Shadow theater festiva in Bursa, Republic of Turkey with the performance "Puppet Show" (dir.: K. Eshmuratova, S. Shukurov) and was awarded with a special prize;

 – On December 22, 2023, the the performance "Ur, toktap!" was awarded with the National Award "UMAI - 2023" in the Nomination "Best Children's performance (small form)".

 

 In 2013, the theater building was renovated and opened its doors to spectators. Today there are two halls equipped with a modern workshop. The Great Hall – 214, the Small Hall – 60 seats. The directors of the theater today are: O. Akzharkyn-Sarsenbek, A. Zaitsev, E. Kabdyl.

 

Today, talented directors, artists, actors and puppet masters with many years of experience make a great contribution to the development of the theater. Their outstanding creative achievements left a noticeable mark in the history of national puppet art, with their names the theater connects today's successes and achievements: Honored Artists of the Republic of Kazakhstan – 1; The holders of the honorary badge of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Kazakhstan «Mendeniet Kairatkeri» – 3; 2 – the holder of the prize «Еnlikgul» from the Union of Theater Workers; 1 – laureate of the «Serper» prize; The National Theater Award «Sakhnagar – 2018» was awarded; «Stage Longevity» – 1, «Umіt» – 1, «The Best Actor» – 1. The national theater prize «Sakhnager – 2018» was awarded: «Umіt» – 1, «The Best Manager» – 1, 7 – Excellent student of culture.

 

The Head of the theater is Almat Abdrahmanov. Artistic Director – Erkebulan Kabdyl.