Kazakhstani theaters concluded the 2025-2026 season with strong audience interest and active repertoire renewal. During the season, the country's theaters presented 16,000 productions, released 410 premieres, and attracted 2,832,835 spectators.
One of the main highlights of the season was the expansion of the genre palette. Notable premieres included the opera "Kypshaq Qyzy Appaq" at the Astana Opera, the ballet "Uly Zhibek Zholy" at the Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theater named after Abai, the cantata-ballet "Karmina Burana" at the Astana Ballet Theater, the drama "Kui" based on the work by Abish Kekilbayev at the Kazakh National Music and Drama Theater, and the play "The Golovlev Family" at the Mikhail Lermontov National Russian Drama Theater. The theater season was also rich in touring projects. Kazakhstani theaters conducted 539 tours and participated in 191 festivals. This expanded audience access to theatrical art and allowed local productions to be presented at various venues.
International recognition for Kazakhstani theaters was a separate area of ​​focus. The Gabit Musrepov Kazakh State Academic Theater for Children and Youth presented the play "Ulpan" at the ART-ORDO International Theater Festival in Bishkek and won awards in four categories, including the Grand Prix.
Other ensembles also performed successfully. The vocal group "El Voice" of the Astana Opera Theater won the Grand Prix at the "Soldier's Envelope" International Competition and Festival in Stavropol. Astana Opera violinist Bagdat Abilkhanov won first prize at the GRAND ART EXPRESS-CHINA International Performing Arts Competition in Dalian.