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The successes of the theater

– In November 1992, the theatre company was invited to the Festival of Theatres of Kazakhstan in Almaty, dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the distinguished writer Gabit Musrepov, where it became a laureate for the first time.
– On May 31, 1996, the theatre participated in the II International Festival of Turkic-speaking Theatres “Tuganlyk” in Ufa with Sh. Kusainov’s musical comedy Aldar Kose, winning prizes in three nominations:
“Outstanding Contribution to the Development of Art” — director Zh. Omaruly, “Hope Award” — to the young troupe, “Best Supporting Actor” — awarded to Sh. Zhunis for the role of Shygai Khan.
– In 1999 — participation in the World Theatre Festival in Cairo;
– In 2000 — the theatre undertook a гастрольный тур по пяти крупнейшим городам Федеративной Республики Германия;
– In 2001 — held a ten-day showcase of the Astana theatre in Omsk (Russian Federation);
– In 2002 — as part of the Days of Culture of Astana in Moscow, presented Gabit Musrepov’s play Kozy Korpesh – Bayan Sulu on the stage of the Mossovet Theatre.
2010
– In January 2010, at the International Fajr Theatre Festival in Tehran (Iran), organized by the Institute of Culture, the play Karagoz by Mukhtar Auezov (directed by National Hero of Kazakhstan Azerbayzhan Mambetov) was признан лучшим;
– In 2010, at the XVII Republican Theatre Festival in Karaganda, the play The Marriage (directed by Nurlan Zhumaniyazov) won 2nd place;
– In September 2010, at the XVIII Republican Festival of Theatres of Kazakhstan in Taraz, A. Dudarev’s drama Evening (directed by Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Bolat Uzakov) received the Grand Prix.
2011
– In March 2011, in Shymkent, at the Republican regional theatre festival “Theatre Spring – 2011,” dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Kazakhstan and International Theatre Day, the comedy Sen Ushin (by E. Zhuasbek, directed by Nurlan Zhumaniyazov) won the “Best Performance” nomination;
– In April 2011, at the Republican Festival of National Theatres, D. Ramazan’s drama Kenesary–Kunimzhan received the award for “Best National Playwriting,” and actor Syrym Kashkabayev won “Best Actor”;
– On December 14, 2011, the theatre was granted the status of “Academic Theatre.”
2012
– In September 2012, at the XX Republican Festival of Drama Theatres in Oral, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of A. Mambetov, Gabit Musrepov’s tragedy Akan Seri – Aktokty received the special prize named after Kadyr Myrzaliyev, and People’s Artist of Kazakhstan Tilektes Meyramov won “Best Actor” (role of Nauan). Director — Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Nurlan Zhumaniyazov;
– In October 2012, in Kostanay, at the Republican Theatre Festival dedicated to the 100th anniversary of I. Omarov, J.-M. Chevret’s comedy The Formula of Kindness brought awards: “Best Actress” — Leylo Beknazar-Khaninga and Zhanat Chaikina, and “Hope” — Ainur Zhetpisbayeva. Director — Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Alimbek Orazbekov;
– In October 2012, in Almaty, at the IV International Festival of Central Asian Theatres, the theatre presented William Shakespeare’s tragedy Hamlet (directed by Bolat Uzakov). The Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan awarded a letter of appreciation, while actor Nurken Oteuil received the “Best Actor” award;
– In November 2012, the theatre toured Turkey (Istanbul, Ankara) with D. Ramazan’s Kenesary–Kunimzhan, performed in Turkish.
2013
– In September 2013, in Aktobe, at the XXI Republican Festival of Drama Theatres dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the People’s Writer of Kazakhstan, playwright T. Akhtanov, the theatre participated with Sh. Murtaza’s drama Bir Kem Dunie and received the “Best Acting Ensemble” award. Director — Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Bolat Uzakov.
2014
– In May 2014, in Pavlodar, at the regional theatre festival “Alash Ardaqtysy,” dedicated to the 125th anniversary of Zhusipbek Aimauytov, the play Ukili Zhuldyz (based on Akim Tarazi’s work Lyustra) won the Grand Prix. Director — Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Alimbek Orazbekov;
– In Kyzylorda, at the XXII Republican Theatre Festival dedicated to the 100th anniversary of People’s Artist of the USSR and Kazakhstan S. Maikanova, Chingiz Aitmatov’s Mother Earth brought awards: G. Aspetova received the Sabira Maikanova Special Prize, and T. Atymtaeva won “Best Actress.” Directors — National Hero A. Mambetov and Honored Worker B. Kurmangozhayev;
– In 2014, at the V International Festival of Central Asian Theatres, Jean Anouilh’s Joan of Arc won the Grand Prix, and actress Ainur Bermukhambetova received the “Best Actress” award.
2015
– In Ust-Kamenogorsk, at the XXIII Republican Theatre Festival, the play The Cranes Are Flying Away (based on V. Yezhov’s The Night of the Nightingales) received the “Best Directorial Work” award. Director — People’s Artist of Kazakhstan Talgat Temenov;
– In Atyrau, at the International Theatre Festival dedicated to playwright Rakhymzhan Otarbayev, the play The Shadowless Traveler brought awards: director Nurlan Zhumaniyazov — “Best Director,” actress Ainur Bermukhambetova — “Best Actress”;
– From November 29 to December 6, 2015, in Moscow, at the XIII International Theatre Forum “Golden Knight,” The Cranes Are Flying Away won the Grand Prix. Actors Tilektes Meyramov (Colonel Lukyanov), Abilmansur Serikov (Pernebek Boranbayev), and Akmaral Tanabayeva (Inga) received Golden Diplomas.
2016
– From September 12 to 16, 2016, in Aktobe, at the XXIV Republican Festival of Drama Theatres of Kazakhstan, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the country’s Independence, the comedy The Cherry Orchard was awarded the prize in the “Best Performance” nomination.
2017
– In February 2017, in Chelyabinsk (Russian Federation), at the V International Festival of Small Forms “CHELOVEK TEATRA,” the theatre participated with Anton Chekhov’s comedy The Cherry Orchard and received high praise from theatre critics;
– In March 2017, in Kazan (Republic of Tatarstan), at the XIII International Theatre Festival of Turkic Peoples “Nauryz,” The Cherry Orchard by A. Chekhov was highly acclaimed by international experts;
– In June 2017, within the framework of the V International Theatre Festival “Sakhna’dan Salem!”, the social drama Karash-Karash by Mukhtar Auezov and K. Yskhak was presented to international theatre critics (director — Honored Worker of Kazakhstan A. Orazbekov);
– In June 2017, at the I World Theatre Festival “Astana,” dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Asanali Ashimov, the theatre presented M. Auezov’s drama A Day Without Protection, which received high praise from the international jury (director — A. Orazbekov);
– In July 2017, at the IV Republican Festival of National Theatres, international experts — British theatre director David Papava, Professor Rakhima Abduvalieva, and independent critic Sarah Copley — attended, by special request, T. Temenov’s lyrical drama Swan’s Tears and gave it high acclaim. The production received an invitation to be staged in London (director — People’s Artist of Kazakhstan Talgat Temenov);
– In September 2017, at the XXV Republican Theatre Festival dedicated to the 70th anniversary of renowned theatre critic Ashirbek Sygai, the production Swan’s Tears… received the award for “Best Directorial Work” (director — Talgat Temenov);
– In November 2017, in Astana, at the I Regional Theatre Festival named after Zhanat Khadzhiev, held within the framework of the 45th anniversary of the Zhezkazgan Kazakh Musical Drama Theatre named after S. Kozhamkulov, the psychological drama Without Sunlight won the “Best Directorial Work” award. Actor Nurken Oteuil received a special nomination named after Zhanat Khadzhiev for his role as Mario;
– Within the VI International Theatre Festival “SAMGAU,” dedicated to the 20th anniversary of Astana, the comedy Dear Pamela (by J. Patrick, directed by Yu. Khaninga-Beknazar) was presented to the international jury. Actress Gulzhan Aspetova won the “Best Actress” award.
2018
(June, Astana — 2018)
– As part of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the capital of Kazakhstan, the theatre participated in the II World Theatre Festival “Astana” and was awarded a special diploma for its significant contribution to the development of performing arts. Within the festival, William Shakespeare’s Othello was presented (director — T. Temenov);
– With the production A Day Without Protection, the theatre participated in the VII International Theatre Festival of Central Asian countries dedicated to the 120th anniversary of Temirbek Zhurgenov and received the “Best Director” award (director — Alimbek Orazbekov). Young actors Zhanat Ospanov and Olzhas Zhakypbek were awarded in the “Debut” nomination;
(November, Taldykorgan — 2018)
– At the International Festival “Aitmatov and Theatre,” Chingiz Aitmatov’s lyrical drama My Poplar in a Red Headscarf brought actor Abilmansur Serikov the “Best Actor” award (director — Talgat Temenov);
– The production Othello won the Grand Prix at the XVI International Theatre Festival “Golden Knight” in Moscow (director — Talgat Temenov).
2019
– On March 6, 2019, in Chelyabinsk (Russian Federation), at the VII International Festival of Small Forms “CHELOVEK TEATRA,” the theatre participated with R. Mukanova’s drama Sarra (director — Honored Worker of Kazakhstan G. Mergaliyeva);
– From June 10 to 16, 2019, at the VII International Theatre Festival “Samgau” in the capital, the performance Layli and Majnun (by Nizami Ganjavi, directed by B. Abdurazzakov) was presented and awarded a special diploma;
– The production Othello (director — Talgat Temenov) received an invitation to the XI International Theatre Festival “Gostiny Dvor” in Orenburg (Russian Federation);
– In September 2019, the theatre participated in the XXVII Republican Festival of Drama Theatres in Semey, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Amina Umirzakova. The performance Layli and Majnun (director — Barzu Abdurazzakov) was presented, and actress Botagoz Maksutova received the “Best Supporting Actress” award;
– On October 29, 2019, in Chelyabinsk, actress Bakyt Zhumagulova received awards for “Best Performance” and “Best Actress” at the V. I. Miloserdov Festival for her role in Mother and Field based on the work of Ch. Aitmatov;
– From November 18 to 22, 2019, in Atyrau, at the III Republican Theatre Festival named after Rakhymzhan Otarbayev, the play Amire won first place. Actor Dastan Alimov received the “Best Supporting Actor” award. Director — Honored Worker of Kazakhstan Nurlan Zhumaniyazov.
2021
– In April 2021, the Symphony Orchestra of the State Academic Kazakh Musical Drama Theatre named after Kalibek Kuanyshbayev won the Grand Prix and First Prize at the international festival-competition “Aurora” in Stockholm. Chief conductor — Erlan Beisembayev, laureate of international competitions and Honoured Cultural Worker.
– The theatre’s Folk Instruments Ensemble participated in the online festival “AsiaFolk 2021,” held with the support of the European Association of Folklore Festivals, and was awarded the Grand Prix (main prize) in the full ensemble category, as well as a First Degree Diploma (dombra ensemble).
Artistic director and conductor — Maralzhan Myrzakulova, laureate of international competitions.
– The Folk Instruments Ensemble also took part in the international online competition “NOUVELLES ETOILES” (France) and won First Prize in the “Classical and Jazz” category.
– The performance Layli and Majnun was presented at the XV International Theatre Festival of Turkic Peoples “Nauryz” in Kazan (online format) and received high praise from international experts.
Author — Nizami Ganjavi; Director — Barzu Abdurazzakov.
– The historical tragedy Bopai Khanum (author R. Mukanova, director Zh. Zhumanbay) was presented within the framework of the creative meeting of theatres from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan titled “Elorda – Art Land” and received high acclaim from theatre experts.
– The productions Kunanbay (author T. Asemkulov, director B. Uzakov) and the musical comedy The Riddle of Marriage (author I. Strauss, director N. Zhumaniyazov) were presented at the “TEATR ALL Nur-Sultan Theatre Week” festival. Actress Ainur Bermukhambetova won the “Best Actress” award for the role of Rosalind, while young actress Inabat Abenova received the “New Name” nomination.
2022
– From March 13 to 20, 2022, a premiere week titled “The Breath of Qalleki” was held in celebration of International Theatre Day, presenting new productions from 2021–2022. According to the results:
“Best Actor” — Erzhan Nurymbet (Don Quixote), “Best Actress” — Ainur Bermukhambetova,
“Best Director” (A. Mambetov Award) — Alibek Omirbekuly, along with other professional awards.
– Director Bazil Sultangazy received a special prize at the V International Festival of Experimental Theatres “Balausa” (Aktobe);
– The production Altaydan Augan El won the “Best Performance” award at the XXVIII Republican Festival of Drama Theatres;
– The play And the Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years (directed by A. Mambetov) was presented within the framework of the “TEATRALL” festival;
– Actors Zhasulan Yerbolat and Akniet Oryntai received awards for their roles at the “TEATRALL” festival;
– At the VIII International Theatre Festival of Central Asian countries, Don Quixote received awards for scenography and Best Actor;
– According to the results of the “Theatres of Kazakhstan – 2022” monitoring, Don Quixote was recognized as the Best Performance of the Year by theatre critics.
2023
– In May 2023, the theatre was invited to the international MIT (Mostra Internacional de Teatro) festival in Portugal (Braga, Barcelos, Maia), where it presented the lyrical comedy Qyzyl Alma;
– In September 2023, a Republican Theatre Festival dedicated to the 130th anniversary of Kalibek Kuanyshbayev was held in Karaganda;
– At the international festival ART ORDO-2023, the musical drama Bayan Sulu – Kozy Korpesh won the Grand Prix and a special award from TURKSOY;
– In October 2023, the XXIX Republican Festival of Drama Theatres took place in Petropavl;
– In November 2023, the production Kyz Zhibek received the “Best Director” award;
– In April 2023, the theatre was officially granted National Theatre status.
2024
– On September 23, 2024, the drama “Woyzeck” by the “Qalleki” Theater Laboratory received the Special Award named after Zhusipbek Aimauytov at the I Republican Theater Festival “Ertis-Bayan” dedicated to the 135th anniversary of Zhusipbek Aimauytov in Pavlodar. The production was directed by theater actor Ulan Kabyl, with scenography by Shynar Elembayeva.
– On September 29, 2024, the theater participated as a special guest at the III International Theater Festival “The World of Abish” in Aktau with the performance “Karagoz.” Following the festival, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev awarded theater actor Erzhan Nurymbet with the TURKSOY commemorative badge. In addition, actress and holder of the “Qurmet” Order Mayra Omar, as well as actress and State Youth Prize “Daryn” laureate Akmaral Tanabayeva, received diplomas “For Contribution to Turkic Culture and Arts.” The production was directed by Gulsina Mirgaliyeva, with scenography by Kanat Maksutova.
– On September 29, 2024, the theater company presenting “Karagoz” at the III International Theater Festival “The World of Abish” in Aktau was honored with the title “Best Theater.” Director — Gulsina Mirgaliyeva; production designer — Kanat Maksutov; costume designer — Madina Kosmagambetova; musical arrangement — Olzhas Dalekhan.
– The XXX Republican Festival of Drama Theaters of Kazakhstan, held from October 1 to 5, 2024, was dedicated to the 100th anniversary of prominent writer and children’s literature classic Berdibek Sokpakbayev. The festival was organized by the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Kazakh National Musical Theater named after Kalibek Kuanyshbayev, with the support of the East Kazakhstan Regional Administration.
– In 2024, at the III International Theater Festival “THEATR ALL” dedicated to the dramaturgy of State Prize laureate, Merited Worker of Kazakhstan, and playwright Roza Mukanova, actress and Merited Worker of Kazakhstan Leylo Beknazar received the award for “Best Female Role” for portraying Bopay Khanym in the historical tragedy “Bopay Khanym” (written by Roza Mukanova, directed by Zh. Zhumanbay).
– According to the decision of the Kazakhstan Association of Theater Critics, the performance “The Marriage of Figaro” won the “Best Musical Production of the Year” award at the sixth Theater Critics Awards.
– Based on the results of the “Theaters of Kazakhstan – 2024” monitoring project, actress, Merited Artist of Kazakhstan, and holder of the “Qurmet” Order Rymkesh Omarkhanova became the winner of the Theater Critics Award in the nomination “Sage of the Stage.”
– Gauhar Zhusipova won the professional theater award “Enlikgul-2024” in the nomination “Best Actress of the Year.”
2025
– In 2025, the theater presented six premiere productions to audiences: “Mahabbatym Sen” (written by Zh. Aliken, directed by B. Sultangazy), “The Circle” based on Bertolt Brecht’s work (directed by U. Kabyl), “Küy” based on the work of A. Kekilbayev (directed by N. Zhumaniyazov and T. Meiramov), “Qumqala” (production supervisor — Zh. Chaikina), “Romeo and Juliet” (directed by U. Bayaliyev), and “Anna Karenina” (directed by R. Makhatayev).
– In honor of the 180th anniversary of Abai Kunanbayuly, special poetry video projects featuring theater actors were produced in collaboration with the “Abai.tv” channel, along with the documentary film “The Working Person” dedicated to backstage staff members.
– A special performance of the poetic drama “Mukagali” was staged in celebration of the birthday of Mukagali Makatayev.
– During the “Breath of Kalleki” theater parade organized for International Theatre Day, the expert jury awarded the following honors: Merited Worker of Kazakhstan Nurken Oteuil received the “Theater Veteran” award, actor Anuar Bektas — “Best Actor,” Merited Artist of Kazakhstan Zhanat Chaikina — “Best Actress,” actor Margulan Namenov — “Rising Star,” actor Bazil Sultangazy — “Best Supporting Actor,” actress Ayauzhan Malgazhdarova — “Best Supporting Actress,” and actress Mayra Omar, holder of the “Qurmet” Order, received the Special Jury Prize. According to audience voting, Nurken Oteuil won the “Best Actor” award, State Youth Prize “Daryn” laureate Akmaral Tanabayeva received “Best Actress,” and the play “Karagoz” was recognized as “Best Performance.”
– Merited Worker of Kazakhstan Asylbek Kapaev and State Youth Prize “Daryn” laureate Akmaral Tanabayeva successfully passed an international casting selection and performed in the international production “Two Women in Paris” in Seoul, South Korea. The production was directed by Ra Jin-Hwan and aimed at strengthening cultural ties among Kazakhstan, South Korea, and Russia.
– Young theater employees were provided with housing.
– As part of the Days of Culture of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Russian Federation, the play “Parasat Maidany” was staged at the Maly Theatre in Moscow.
– On the occasion of the Day of Culture and Arts Workers, theater employees were awarded the “Excellent Worker of Culture” badge, the “Qurmet” Order, and certificates of honor. On Republic Day, several artists and staff members received the “For Distinguished Labor” medal, the title “Merited Worker of Kazakhstan,” the Order of “Barys” III degree, and the title “People’s Artist of Kazakhstan.”
– As part of collaborative creative projects, the theater carried out large-scale partnerships with the national clothing brand “Tarbie” and the “Zhado” fashion house.
– Theater actress Abenova participated in the II Educational Session of the International Acoustic School.
– The theater toured the cities of Pavlodar, Kokshetau, and Almaty, presenting performances such as “Melody of a Fairytale Night,” “At 7 PM,” “Shamshi,” “Karagoz,” “Woyzeck,” “The Marriage of Figaro,” and “Parasat Maidany.”
– In September, the theater participated in the II Republican Festival of Young Directors in Almaty with the performance “Shenber” (“The Circle”), where director Ulan Kabyl received a special festival award. In addition, the performance “Parasat Maidany” was presented as a special guest production at the III International TURKSOY Theater Festival in Aktau.
– The theater’s symphony orchestra and folk instruments ensemble presented concert programs including “Melody of the Universe,” “Spring Harmony,” “Spirit of Victory,” “The Nation’s Dignity — The Constitution,” “Songs of Memory,” a concert dedicated to Tchaikovsky, and “Jas Time – A New Direction.” The symphony orchestra also performed a high-level concert together with Chinese soloist and Grand Prix winner of Europe and Asia, Wang Qiqian.
– In 2025, the theater staged 251 performances as part of its repertoire and welcomed a total of 65,464 spectators.
2026
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