Achievements of the Almaty State Puppet Theatre
The Almaty State Puppet Theater is the first puppet theater in the history of Kazakhstan. It was opened in 1935 at the initiative of the prominent public and political figure Temirbek Zhurgenov.
Great personalities whose names are inscribed in the history of Kazakh culture and theater, such as L.Khamidi, K.Badyr, S.Telgaraev, A.Beyseuov, N.Tlendiev, O.Aubakirov, S.Shukurov, K.Yeshmuratova, and many other distinguished figures, stood at the origins of the Puppet Theater.
Over the years, the theater has nurtured several generations of talented actors, puppeteers, directors, and artists. Today, it offers a wide variety of puppetry forms – from rod puppets to complex marionettes – and is equipped with modern sound, lighting, and stage technology.
The theater strives to meet the spiritual needs of society and pursues an extensive repertoire policy. Its repertoire includes around 50 productions staged in both Kazakh and Russian. Audiences are presented with performances of high artistic quality based on works of Kazakh and world literature. The theater has a large hall with 214 seats and a small hall with 60 seats.
Alongside children’s productions, the repertoire also features performances for adult audiences such as «The Overcoat» (N.Gogol), «Romeo and Juliet» (W.Shakespeare), «Mother's field» (Ch.Aitmatov), and others.
The repertoire also includes plays based on world-famous fairy tales for children, such as «The Wolf and the Seven goats», «Puss in Boots», «Little Red Riding Hood», «Aladdin’s Magic Lamp», «The Adventures of Buratino», «Thumbelina», and more.
In addition to Kazakh folk tales such as «Qanbak Shal», «Er Tostik», «The Golden Man», and «Ur, tokpak!», the theater also stages plays for children written by contemporary playwrights, including «Champion», «Remember, Kids!», «Omir-ozen», and others.
The Almaty State Puppet Theatre holds a special place in the sphere of the arts and makes a significant contribution to the cultural life of our country. Its accomplishments and history of participation in both international and national festivals clearly demonstrate the high level of the theatre’s artistic activity. Below is a chronological overview of the theatre’s major achievements and years of festival participation:
· In 1969, in the city of Tashkent, the theatre took part in the 1st Festival of Puppet Theatres of Central Asian Countries and the Republic of Kazakhstan with the productions «Aldar Kose» by A. Ismailov and Big Ivan by S. Obraztsov, for which it was awarded a diploma. For her role as «Shaitan» in «Aldar Kose», actress Zakish Dyusenova and chief director Pavel Potoroka were honored with the title of Merited Artist of Kazakhstan;
· In 1975, at the 2nd Festival of Puppet Theatres of Central Asia and the Republic of Kazakhstan, held in the city of Frunze, the theatre presented the production «Kerbakpai» by Zh. Karbozin and was awarded a diploma;
· In 1979, at the International Festival of Puppet Theatres of Asian Countries held in Tashkent, the play «Kozha and Sports» by O. Aubakirov received the diploma for «Best Performance»;
· In 1981, the theatre went on tour to Vietnam and the Republic of Kampuchea with the production «The Legend of the White Bird»;
· In 1987, the theatre participated in the 1st Republican Festival of Puppet Theatres in the city of Kostanay with the performances «Aibolit» and «The Tale of the Kitten and the Little Star»;
· In 1990, at the International Festival of Puppet Theatres in Arkhangelsk (Russia), the production «The Old Man-Tumbleweed» was awarded the «Honor» diploma;
· In 1994, the theatre took part in the International Puppet Festival in Tehran (Islamic Republic of Iran) with the play «The Old Man-Tumbleweed» and received an award;
· In 1995, at the International Festival in Tashkent, the theatre presented «Melody of Friends» and received an award;
· In 1997, at the festival in the city of Zhezkazgan, the theatre staged «Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves» and received the nomination «Best Performance»;
· In 1998, at the festival in the city of Pavlodar, the theatre was awarded for the performance «Kurmangazy»;
· In 2000, the theatre participated in the festival in the city of Atyrau with the production «Akku Zhibek» and received an award;
· In 2003, the theatre company took part in the Days of Kazakhstan in the city of Kurgan (Russia);
· In 2004, the theatre participated in the international festival «Alakai» in the city of Aktobe with the performance «Atameken»;
· That same year, 2004, the theatre toured the People's Republic of China;
· In 2005, at the international festival Orteke in the city of Aktau, the theatre presented the play «The Big Adventures of a Little Frog» and received the nomination «Best Performance»;
· In 2008, at the invitation of the «Puppet Theatre – 21st Century» Association, the theatre performed at the Central House of Art Workers and at the «Ognivo» Puppet Theatre in Moscow (Russia);
· In 2009, the theatre went on tour to the city of Guangzhou (People’s Republic of China), and also took part in the «Karagöz» festival in the city of Bursa (Republic of Turkey) with the performance «Puppet Show», where it was awarded;
· In 2010, the theatre participated in the International Puppet Theatre Festival in the city of Prague (Czech Republic) with the production «The Old Man and the Tumbleweed», receiving an award;
· In 2011, at the International Puppet Theatre Festival in the city of Iida (Japan), the theatre once again presented «The Old Man and the Tumbleweed» and received an award;
· Also in 2011, the theatre participated with the production «Dala Kerueni» at a folklore festival in the city of Burgas (Bulgaria);
· That same year, 2011, the theatre performed at the World Carnival of Puppet Theatres held in the city of Almaty;
· In 2013, at the III International Puppet Theatre Festival «Orteke», held in the city of Astana, the theatre was awarded in the category «Best Acting Performance» for the play «How to Cure the Lion’s Fear?»;
· In 2014, the theatre performed at the World Carnival of Puppet Theatres in the city of Almaty;
· Also in 2014, among productions by young directors, the play «Kashtanka» was awarded the «Grand Prix»;
· In 2015, at the IV International Puppet Theatre Festival, outperforming theatres from India, Greece, Germany, Turkmenistan, Georgia, and other countries, the theatre won the «Grand Prix» with the production «Kashtanka» directed by K. Adylov;
· From May 25 to 29, 2017, the theatre troupe took part in the II International Puppet Theatre Festival «Tak-teke», dedicated to the 125th anniversary of the playwright, director, and founder of puppet theatre Viktor Shvemberger, held in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan). For the play «Kashtanka», based on A. Chekhov’s story, the theatre received an award in the category «For the Interpretation of a Classical Work in the Puppet Theatre Genre». The director K. Adylov was awarded «Best Director» and also received a special diploma from the Union of Theatre Workers of Kyrgyzstan;
· On May 28, 2017, at the International Puppet Theatre Festival «Under the Hat of Gugutse» in Chișinău (Moldova), the play «The Old Man-Tumbleweed» was presented to audiences from 25 countries and received awards in the category «For the Promotion of National Traditions». The theatre director, T. Esenaliev, was honored with the diploma «Best Manager»;
· From June 5 to 9, 2017, the theatre participated in the XIII International Festival «Nauryz» in the Republic of Tatarstan with the epic play by playwright A. Fayzulla, «The Golden Man»;
· From August 1 to 9, 2017, the theatre troupe took part in the VII International Theatre Festival in the Republic of Turkey, organized by the Ankara Municipality, with the production «Puppet Show» and was awarded a special diploma;
· From September 2 to 8, 2017, at the forum-festival of young directors of the Republican Drama Theatres, dedicated to Kairat Sugurbekov, held in Astana, the theatre was awarded a special diploma for the production of the fairy tale «The Foal and the Wolf Cub» by Zh. Omarov, directed by R. Zhanyamanov;
· From October 19 to 27, 2017, the theatre presented the productions «Puppet Show» and «How to Cure a Lion’s Fear?» at the III International Festival in Ankara (Republic of Turkey);
· From February 1 to 15, 2018, the theatre participated in the V International Performing Arts Festival «Revelation», where the best ensembles from France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Germany, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan competed and exchanged experiences. The theatre performed the play «Mother’s Heart», receiving high praise from professional experts;
· From April 20 to 22, 2018, the theatre troupe took part in the III International Festival «Balausa» in Aktobe, dedicated to the 95th anniversary of T. Akhtanov, with the production «Mother’s Heart» and was awarded a letter of gratitude. Actress D. Isa received the nomination for «Best Debut» for the role of Aliman;
· From September 22 to 27, 2018, the theatre participated in the International Puppet Theatre Festival «Assalaumagaleikum – V» in Aktobe with the production «Mother’s Heart», directed by A. Zaitsev, and won the «Grand Prix» as well as the nomination for «Best Performance»;
· From October 22 to 29, 2018, the theatre performed «Mother’s Heart» at the VI International Puppet Theatre Festival «Chodari Khayol» in Dushanbe (Tajikistan);
· From November 10 to 14, 2018, the theatre participated in the II Republican Theatre Festival named after Rustem Yesdauletov in Ust-Kamenogorsk with Euripides’ tragedy «Medea», directed by A. Salban. The theatre was awarded the «Rustem Yesdauletov Special Prize» from the regional akim and won the award for «Best Director»;
· From November 12 to 17, 2018, the theatre took part in the International Festival «Aitmatov and Theatre» in Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) with the production «Mother’s Heart», directed by D. Zhumabaeva. The theatre received the «Special Jury Prize» for this play;
· From February 26 to March 6, 2019, the theatre performed «Mother’s Heart» at the VII International Theatre Festival «CHELoBEK THEATRA» (small format) in Chelyabinsk (Russia);
· From June 1 to 9, 2019, the theatre participated in the XIV International Theatre Festival «Nauruz» in Kazan (Tatarstan) with the production «Romeo and Juliet», directed by D. Zhumabaeva;
· From June 20 to 30, 2019, the theatre successfully performed at the XIV International Theatre Festival «KukART» in Saint Petersburg (Russia), on the stage of the musical theatre «Zazerkalye» with the production «Mother’s Heart», winning the nominations for «Best Performance» and «Best Acting Ensemble»;
· From September 24 to 30, 2019, the theatre participated in the VI International Theatre Festival «Visiting Harlequin» in Omsk (Russia) with the production «Mother’s Heart»;
· From October 19 to 27, 2019, the theatre presented the play «Mother’s Heart» at the V International Puppet Theatre Festival «Ankara» in Ankara (Turkey);
· From October 30 to November 4, 2019, the theatre performed «Mother’s Heart» at the I International Theatre Festival «TeART-Kokshe» in Kokshetau;
· From December 15 to 18, 2019, the theatre participated in the I International Puppet Theatre Festival «Kuklyandiya» in Karaganda with the production «Puppet Show»;
· In 2019, according to the monitoring results of «Theatres of Kazakhstan» conducted by the International Association of Theatre Critics, the theatre troupe was awarded the nomination «Best Theatre of the Year for Media Relations». Additionally, the production «Aiko and Strashko», directed by D. Burman, received the «Critics’ Prize»;
· From October 17 to 25, 2020, the theatre participated online in the VI International Puppet Theatre Festival «Ankara» with the production «Romeo and Juliet» and was awarded a diploma;
· In January 2021, the play «Teremok» received the «Critics’ Prize» from the International Association of Theatre Critics in the category «Best Children’s Performance»;
· On March 27, 2021, the theatre was awarded the national theatre prize «ERGÜÜ-2021» of the Kyrgyz Republic in the category «Best Foreign Theatre Staging a Work by a Kyrgyz Author» for the production «Mother’s Heart»;
· From June 7 to 13, 2021, the theatre participated in the XV International Theatre Festival «Nauryz» in Kazan (Tatarstan) with the play «Abai. Impressions», directed by A. Zaitsev;
· From June 22 to 30, 2021, the theatre troupe took part in the XV International Festival of Puppet and Synthetic Theatres «KukART» in Saint Petersburg (Russian Federation) with the production «Romeo and Juliet» and was awarded in the category «Special Interpretation of a William Shakespeare Work in Kazakh Language»;
· From October 4 to 8, 2021, the theatre participated in the III International Theatre Festival «TeART-Kokshe» in Kokshetau with the play «Abai. Impressions» and received a nomination for «Best Director»;
· From October 11 to 16, 2021, at the national theatre festival «Son – Let It Be True» named after Ashirbek Sygai in Karaganda, the theatre won first prize with the production «Romeo and Juliet» (director D. Zhumabaeva);
· From October 19 to 26, 2021, the theatre participated in the VII International Puppet Theatre Festival «Ankara» in Ankara (Turkey) with the adult play «Macbeth. Illusion» (director D. Zhumabaeva) and the children’s play «Teremok» (director A. Zaitsev);
· From April 11 to 17, 2022, the theatre took part in the «Week of Love Plays» festival by the «Total Theatre» in Almaty with the play «Romeo and Juliet» and won the «Favorite Play» nomination;
· From April 20 to 25, 2022, with the play «Macbeth. Illusion», the theatre participated in the V International Festival of Experimental Performances «BALAUSA» in Aktobe and received the «Grand Prix» in the categories «Best Performance» and “Best Scenography»;
· From May 20 to 30, 2022, the theatre participated in the XIV International Theatre Festival of Turkic-speaking countries «A Thousand Breaths – One Voice» in Konya (Turkey) with the play «Macbeth. Illusion» and was awarded a special diploma;
· On June 14, 2022, the theatre received the award for «Best Theatre» at the professional theatre award ceremony «Enlikgul - 2022», organized by the Union of Theatre Workers of Kazakhstan;
· From September 20 to 23, 2022, the theatre took part in the VI International Puppet Theatre Festival «Assalaumagaleikum» with the play «Abai. Impressions» (director A. Zaitsev) and won the «Grand Prix» in the category «Best Adult Performance»;
· From September 20 to 23, 2022, the theatre also participated in the II International Theatre Festival «Abish Alemi» with the play «Romeo and Juliet» and received a nomination for «Best Directing»;
· From October 1 to 6, 2022, the theatre participated in the XVIII International Puppet Festival «Golden Dolphin» in Varna (Bulgaria) with the play «Romeo and Juliet» and took first place in the adult performance section. Actor Shokhan Kulnazarov was nominated for «Best Male Actor» for his roles as Tybalt, Lorenzo, Capulet, Montague, and Benvolio. The performers of Romeo and Juliet – Ulan Asanbek and Ulpan Serik – were laureates of the «Best Debut» nomination;
· From October 15 to 23, 2022, the theatre participated in the VIII International Puppet Theatre Festival «Ankara» (Turkey) with performances for adults – «The Old Man and the Sea» (director: D. Zhumabaeva) – and for children – «The Old Man and the Tumbleweed», receiving a special participant diploma;
· From October 25 to 29, 2022, the theatre took part in the IV International Theatre Festival «TeART-Kokshe» in Kokshetau with the adult play «Macbeth. Illusion». Theatre actor Shokhan Kulnazarov received the special Yakov Kuklinsky Award for the role of Macbeth;
· In December 2022, by decision of the International Association of Theatre Critics, based on the year-end results of the «Critics’ Awards – 2022», theatre actor and honored cultural figure Bakhytzhan Kayuov was nominated «Puppet Theatre Actor of the Year» for his role as the Old Man in the play «The Old Man and the Sea». The play based on the Kazakh folk tale «Beat It, Club!» (director: E. Kabdyl) was recognized as «Puppet Theatre Production of the Year»;
· In April 2023, the theatre participated in the international festival «TOTAL FEST: Active Character», organized by the theatre company «Total Theatre», with the play «Abai. Impressions», and received a special diploma. Additionally, actor Ruslan Abu won the audience vote for the nomination «Most Beloved Actor» for his role as Icarus in this production.
· From April 22 to 28, 2023, the theatre participated in the VI International Puppet Theatre Festival «Orteke» with the play «Abai. Impressions» and received a nomination for «Best Acting Performance»;
· From June 7 to 10, 2023, the theatre took part in the I Republican Festival of Directors and Stage Designers named after Chapay Zulhash in Atyrau with the adult production «Medea». The production’s artist, A. Zhusipali, was awarded in the category «Best Stage Designer»;
· On June 13, 2023, theatre director E. Kabdyl received the professional theatre award «Enlikgul-2023» in the category «Best Creative Achievement of the Year in a Children’s Play», and director A. Zaytsev was honored in the category «Best Director of the Year»;
· From June 25 to 29, 2023, the theatre participated in the III International Puppet Theatre Festival «Kuralay» in Astana with the psychological one-man show Puppets, where actor Bolat Momynzhanov received the award for «Best Male Role»;
· From July 30 to August 5, 2023, the theatre took part in the X International Puppet Theatre Festival «Puppet Days» held outdoors in Burgas (Republic of Bulgaria) with the play «Puppet Show» (directors: K. Eshmuratova, S. Shukurov), and won the «Grand Prix»;
· From September 9 to 13, 2023, the theatre performed at the XIX International Puppet Theatre Festival «Ryazan Shows» in Ryazan (Russian Federation) with the play «The Old Man and the Sea», receiving a special diploma and earning recognition as the best performance;
· From October 9 to 15, 2023, the theatre troupe participated in the XXIX Republican Festival of Dramatic Theatres of Kazakhstan, dedicated to the 125th anniversary of Temirbek Zhurgenov, in Petropavlovsk with the play «The Old Man and the Sea». The theatre was awarded a special diploma for participation, and the lead actor B. Kayuov received the award for «Best Male Role» for the character Santiago;
· From December 11 to 16, 2023, the theatre performed at the XX International Festival of Puppet and Shadow Theatres «Bursa Karagöz» in Bursa (Turkey) with the play «Puppet Show» and was honored with a special prize;
· On December 22, 2023, the play «Bey, Dubinka!» received the national award «UMAI – 2023» in the category «Best Children’s Play (Short Form)»;
· From July 2 to 6, 2024, the theatre troupe participated in the I International Puppet Theatre Festival «Ottawa» in Ottawa (Canada) with the play Romeo and Juliet, where it won the festival’s «Grand Prix»;
· From September 18 to 22, 2024, the theatre took part in the IV International Festival of Puppet Art «Lalki nad Nemanem» in Grodno (Republic of Belarus) with the play «Geese and Swans» (directed by A. Zaitsev) and received a special diploma;
· From September 23 to 27, 2024, the theatre participated in the II International Puppet Theatre Festival «Batumi» in Batumi (Georgia) with the play «Macbeth». Illusion and was awarded in the category «Best Director». During the same period, the troupe also conducted an international tour covering five cities in Georgia;
· On December 12, 2024, as part of the «Enlikgul-2024» professional theatre award organized by the Union of Theatre Workers of Kazakhstan, the theatre’s lighting specialist K. Chuzhetov received an award in the category «Best Lighting Design»;
· On December 18, 2024, based on monitoring by the International Association of Theatre Critics as part of the «Critics’ Prize – 2024», the theatre was recognized as «Theatre of the Year for Active Media Engagement». The play «The Overcoat» was named «Puppet Theatre Performance of the Year», and actor Shokhan Kulnazarov was awarded the title «Puppet Theatre Actor of the Year»;
· In 2022, at the initiative of the Almaty city administration, a modern children's playground was installed next to the theatre building;
· In 2023-2024, the theatre building underwent major renovations and upgrades. Specifically, the theatre foyer, stage area, auditorium, rehearsal rooms, dressing rooms, cloakroom, restrooms, and other facilities were completely renovated. Comfortable soft seating was installed for audiences, and the sound, lighting, and stage equipment were modernized to meet the latest technical standards;
· In 2024, as part of the celebration of Almaty City Day, the theatre was awarded the honorary title of «Honorary Citizen of Almaty» for its many years of work and invaluable contribution to the cultural life of the city. The title was personally conferred by the city’s akim, Yerbolat Dossayev.
· From May 21 to 25, 2025 the theatre participated with the performance «Shekpen» in the 7th International Puppet Theatre Festival «Orteke» that took place in Almaty and was awarded the Grand Prix.
· From June 30 to July 4, 2025, the theatre presented the performance «Qanbaq Shal» at the 4th International Puppet Theatre Festival «Quralai» that took place in Astana and received the nomination «Theatre’s Golden Collection».
· In July 2025, the theatre participated with the performance «Romeo and Juliet» in the International Theatre Festival «Off Avignon» that took place in Avignon, France, captivating European audiences. As a result, the Puppet Theatre was invited to the International Shakespeare Festival in Romania.
In 2013, the theater building underwent a major reconstruction. In 2023, repair and modernization works were carried out. The foyer, stage area, auditorium, rehearsal halls, dressing rooms, cloakroom, utility and other facilities were completely renovated. For the comfort of the audience, new comfortable soft seats were installed, and the stage was equipped with modern sound, lighting, and technical systems.
The Head of the theater is Almat Abdrahmanov. Artistic Director – Kubanichbek Adylov.