The Turkistan Musical Drama Theater (TMDT) is an experimental and ambitious theater that opened on May 11, 2021. A construction of the building began in 2019 and was completed at the end of 2020.

The main cast consists of young actors, who have completed their studies at various universities around the world. A theater gives them the opportunity to start their creative careers in one of the most modern cultural institutions in the country, regularly participate in master classes by invited teachers and directors. Among the actors of TMDT are the graduates of the Temirbek Zhurgenov Kazakh National Academy of Arts, Kazakh National University of Arts, Kazakh National Academy of Choreography, Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, A. Seleznev Choreographic School, as well as the Vienna Academy “Belcanto”.

The first performance of the Turkistan Musical Drama Theater was presented to the audience on October 9, 2021. A theater opened with the production of the “Borte” stage play by the famous Kazakh playwright Dulat Issabekov. It was staged by a specially invited Italian director Davide Livermore along with Carlo Shakkaluga, the set designer was Anna Varaldo, the coordinator was Alice Ferranti, and the author of the music was Khamit Shangaliyev. A production begins with the story of the acquaintance of the teenager Temuchin (real name Genghis Khan) with his future wife Borte. The main action of the stage play takes place during the reign of Genghis Khan, a huge empire. This historical period of time is marked by the fact that Temuchin united the Mongol tribes, divided by the numerous feuds, into a single state, and it is proclaimed its great chagan. The victorious march of Genghis Khan’s troops begins in China, then, reaches the Ukrainian land with a terrifying battle on the Kalka River.

“Borte” by playwright Dulat Issabekov

Another bright find of the creative team was the production of “Fariza”. In October 2021, the artists presented a stage play about the life and creative path of the famous poetess Fariza Ongarsynkyzy, who found a way to the hearts of people with her truthful and heartfelt poems. A stage play was written by the famous Russian playwright Rosa Mukanova.

“Mahabbat munarasy” (Tower of love) by stage director Talaptan Akhmetzhanov

In December 2021, the premiere of the stage play “Mahabbat munarasy” (Tower of love) took place at the stage of the Turkistan Musical and Drama Theater. It is based on the work of the famous Kazakh writer and playwright Talaptan Akhmetzhanov, who left a rich literary legacy in his short life. This is a story about the “Lighthouse of love”, which is visible only to lovers. One day, the love captivated the artist’s soul and made his work unique. A premiere of the stage play was timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the birth of the author himself, winner of the Alash Literary Award, the Valentin Pikul and Oralkhan Bokei prizes. One of the world’s leading cellists, talented Kazakh musician Eldar Saparayev, who lives in Zurich, took part in the production as well. The cellist played his unique instrument, made in 1628 by Antonius Hieronymus Amati. It is believed that it was Amati who was the teacher of another outstanding master of violin instruments, Antonio Stradivari.

Plastic performance “Tales of Korkyt”

At present, there are nine productions in the repertoire of the young theater, the screenings of each of which are always sold out. Among them are such performances as the “Magzhan”, “Revolt of the daughters-in-law”, “The Legend of Korkyt”, “Beu, kyzdar-ai” (Ah, the girls), “Overcoat” and “Shanyraq”. A theater successfully tours the cities of Kazakhstan and takes part in prestigious festivals, demonstrating the latest technical capabilities in set design and bright creative ambitions of the young troupe. The director of the theater is a famous film and theater actor, Honored Worker of Kazakhstan, Alimkhan Myrzakhan.

Notice: 

The Turkistan Musical and Drama Theater is located at Bekzat Sattarkhanov Street, 4. This is a monumental 4-storey building with an area of 11,000 sq. m. The auditorium is designed for 511 people.