Performance «People» by the Tatar State Academic Puppet Theater «Ekiyat»
Genre: Drama
Age Rating: 18+
Duration: 70 minutes
Language: Tatar
Venue: Big Stage
Date and Time: October 23, 12:00
Creative Team:
- Author – Galimdzhan Ibragimov
- Director and Stage Adaptation – Ilgiz Zayniev
- Set Designer – Sergey Ryabinin
- Composer – Elmir Nizamov
About the Performance:
1921–1922. The Volga and Ural regions are devastated by a catastrophic famine. Entire villages are dying out, and death has become an inseparable part of everyday life. Based on a work by Galimdzhan Ibragimov, one of the most prominent figures in Tatar literature, «People» portrays famine not merely as a disaster that claims human lives, but as a destructive force capable of transforming human nature itself.
Through the fate of a single family, the production explores how hunger gradually strips people of their conscience, compassion, and moral values. On the puppet theater stage, this tragedy takes on a profound symbolic meaning: a person who has lost their humanity seems to turn into an emotionless, soulless puppet. Yet for a puppet to come to life, there must always be a living human being behind it. Through this artistic paradox, the performance invites audiences to reflect on human nature, moral degradation, and what it truly means to remain human in the face of the most severe trials.
About the Theater:
The Tatar State Academic Puppet Theater «Ekiyat», located in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan (Russia), is a cultural institution with a rich history and distinctive artistic traditions. The theater traces its origins to 1932 and was granted state theater status in 1934. The company presents performances in both Tatar and Russian, promoting national cultural heritage and bringing to the stage folk tales from around the world, as well as works of classical and contemporary literature.
In 2012, the theater moved into a new, purpose-built building resembling a magnificent fairy-tale palace. Continuing to expand the artistic possibilities of puppetry and creating productions for both children and adults, the theater was awarded academic status in 2024 in recognition of its outstanding contributions to the development of performing arts.