“Why Does the Swallow Have a Forked Tail?” performed by the Puppet Company of the Saken Seifullin Karaganda Regional Academic Kazakh Drama Theatre
Genre: Puppet production based on a Kazakh folk tale
Language: Kazakh
Venue: State Puppet Theatre, Main Hall
Date and time: 21 October 2023, 10:00
Creative team
Director: Aidyn Salbanov.
Based on the folk tale and the animated film of the same name by Amen Khaidarov.
About the performance
The performance is based on an ancient Kazakh folk tale about the eternal struggle between good and evil, light and darkness. The cruel Dragon King, weakened by age, sends his servant the Mosquito to find the sweetest blood on earth so that he can regain his strength. After travelling the world, the greedy Mosquito discovers that the sweetest blood belongs to an innocent baby in a cradle.
Sensing the danger to humanity, the small but brave Swallow risks her own life to save the child. She foils the Dragon and Mosquito’s plan by tearing out the Mosquito’s tongue. The furious Dragon attacks her and manages to bite her tail. Since that day, the Swallow’s tail has been forked, and she has been a faithful friend to humankind.
Through vivid stage design and colourful puppets, the performance encourages young audiences to be brave and loyal, care for others, and value friendship.
About the theatre
The puppet company of the Saken Seifullin Karaganda Regional Academic Kazakh Drama Theatre was introduced to audiences on 1 June 2023. Its launch supported the development of Kazakh-language puppetry in the region. Combining the theatre’s acting experience with puppet manipulation, the company developed a repertoire for children. “Why Does the Swallow Have a Forked Tail?” reflects the new company’s exploration of national folk tales on stage.