Kyrgyz professional theatre turns 100: festival opens in Bishkek with a play about Babur

On 26 October the XIV Republican Theatre Festival, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Kyrgyz professional theatre, opened in Bishkek. It runs until 30 October, with a scientific conference and a formal anniversary ceremony planned for 2 November.

Ten theatres from Kyrgyzstan, chosen by an expert commission, each present one play. At the opening, the history of Kyrgyz theatre was told through LED-screen footage of past productions, live excerpts by actors and a short concert. The festival is also dedicated to the memory of Kulyipa Konduchalova, a Hero of Kyrgyzstan and former culture minister.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet Ulan Mamatkanov called theatre a key institution for national culture and the upbringing of young people, and urged better conditions in regional theatres and support for young directors and actors. Several theatre figures received awards, and experienced directors will give master classes.

On 27 October the Babur State Academic Uzbek Musical-Drama Theatre from Osh performed the play "Who Am I — Babur…" on the stage of the Chingiz Aitmatov State National Russian Drama Theatre in Bishkek. The stage adaptation is by R. Makhmudova and the director is N. Abdykadyrov. Seeing the figure of Babur on a Kyrgyz stage reflects the shared cultural heritage of the region.