Once in Astana, one of the most beautiful cities in Kazakhstan, be sure to visit the Gorky Drama Theater. Astana has old theatrical traditions, and there is something to please the picky fans of this art.
Theater History
The State Academic Russian Drama Theater named after Maxim Gorky in Astana is the oldest in Kazakhstan. It was created back in 1899 in the city of Akmolinsk (now Astana). For its foundation, the city government allocated 100 rubles. The same amount was issued by the merchant-philanthropist Kubrin. This money was enough to lay the foundation.
Being quite small, the theater becomes on a par with the leading theaters of Kazakhstan. In 1957, the play “Puchina” based on Ostrovsky’s play was presented at the All-Union show “Theater Spring”, where it was highly appreciated. In 1959, the theater began to bear the name of Gorky. In 1961, he acquired the status of a regional. In 2007, the Gorky Theater (Astana) joined the Association of Russian Theaters.
Theater building
Initially, the building, which was built at the end of the 19th century, was planned to be given to a gymnasium. Actually, for this it was designed. But it was bought for the theater, which from that moment received its official status. At first it was a two-story brick building with interesting architecture.
Already in the XX century, the mansion was rebuilt several times. During one of the reconstructions, a third floor and an extension from the courtyard were added to the building. At the same time, the original architecture was retained, which is inherent in past versions of the facade. In this form, the building looked more elegant. The building became one of the examples of typical Russian classical architecture of the 19th century.
Now the Gorky Theater is one of the most important historical values of Astana, the number of which is decreasing in rapidly growing modern cities. Therefore, one of the attractions that you need to see in Kazakhstan, of course, is the Gorky Theater (Astana). His address: 13 Zheltoksan street.
Gorky Theater (Astana): repertoire
The first performance, staged in the building purchased for the theater, was called “Flash at the hearth”. It was a vaudeville in one act by the writer Fedorov. In this theater, Saken Seyfullin staged his dramatic works. He attracted Kazakh youth to participate in tv performances.
After the Great Patriotic War, in addition to the Soviet drama usual for the viewer, the repertoire of the theater is replenished with works of Kazakh literature - “Kozi-Korpesh and Bayan-Sulu” and “Aldar-Kose”. The 60s were marked by the staging of the play "Saken Seyfullin" based on the play by Mukanov in Russian. The production was presented at the republican show, where it was awarded a diploma of the I degree. Today, the repertoire of the theater has more than 30 performances. Artists delight their fans with such productions as:
- “Here are all mine” based on Gogol’s play “The Examiner”;
- “Master and Margarita” by Bulgakov;
- Williams Desire Tram;
- Baer’s “Mixed Feelings”;
- Romeo and Juliet and Shakespeare's Hamlet.
The contemporary drama in the repertoire of the collective is represented by N. Ptushkina, N. Sadur, I. Vyrypaev, A. Orazbekov, A. Yablonskaya. In addition, the theater does not forget about children. In his repertoire today there are 12 musical tales for young viewers.
Theater of Russian drama in Astana and modernity
In 2007, the theater was headed by the honored worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan Erkin Tleugazinovich Kassenov. Under his leadership, recognition came from both viewers of Russia and the CIS countries, as well as viewers from many countries of Europe and Asia. In the same year, the staff of the Gorky Theater (Astana) received the title of laureate of the International Theater Festival, which was held in Granada.
Four times he presented his performances at the International Festival of Russian Theaters in St. Petersburg. Often the team on its stage also puts on the works of Russian authors, promoting Russian culture in Kazakhstan. For this, in 2007, People’s Artist of Kyrgyzstan S. Matveev, Honored Artist of Kazakhstan N. Kosenko, as well as L. Abasov, were awarded the “Compatriot” prize established by the government.
In 2008, Beijing hosted the III International Theater Season, dedicated to the works of William Shakespeare, in which the Drama Theater from Kazakhstan became the only representative of the CIS. Now his team takes part in festivals every year, where he receives diplomas and awards. Significant in the history of the theater was 2012. The efforts of Yerkin Kassenov to develop and popularize it outside Kazakhstan were appreciated. The theater received the title of Academic.
The faces of the theater
The theater of Russian drama in Astana has many talented artists. I would like to note some of them.
- Natalya Kosenko - Honored Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Bright stage appearance, outstanding talent and extensive experience allow her to create the most diverse images. She has been working in the theater since 1977. On his stage, she played more than two hundred roles. Among the most famous are the role of Ranevskaya in the "Cherry Orchard" by Chekhov, the Snow Queen in the play of the same name by Schwartz and others.
- Vladimir Ivanenko - he played more than three hundred roles in almost all theater performances. The artist came here in 1963. He creates unforgettable images both in adult productions and in children's productions. Among his roles are so vivid as Sorin in Chekhov's The Seagull, Lorenzo in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and others.
- Nina Drobotova - enrolled in the troupe of the Gorky Theater in 1983. Her work is characterized by subtle psychologism and a deep internal development of the image. Among her most striking roles are Gertrude in Shakespeare's Hamlet, Groomsmen in Gogol's Marriage, and others.
Gorky Theater (Astana): reviews
Grateful spectators leave many enthusiastic reviews after the performances. The great art of the theater, which the artists bring to their viewers, is worthy of respect and appreciation. In their reviews, visitors note individual performances. Fans of theatrical art express their admiration for the production of J. Cocteau's “Human Voice”. Many did not even want to leave such a performance.
The actors' play in the production of "Farewell to the Gully" did not leave anyone indifferent. Spectators thank the team for the pleasure and wish them creative success. On the performance of the “Tram“ Desire ”performance, fans said that the performance was amazing, and the actors became light from the work of the actors.