Musical comedy theaters in Almaty -
The creative team of the Uighur Theater -
The Kuddus Kuzhamyarov Uighur Music and Drama Theater is one of the oldest and most distinctive cultural institutions in Kazakhstan, reflecting the rich history, traditions and spirit of the Uighur people. Located in Almaty, this theater is the center of national art, where music, dance, drama and comedy combine. His productions are filled with oriental melodies, color and good humor, and the atmosphere at the performances is always warm and festive.
It is the only professional theater in Kazakhstan and one of the few in the world dedicated to Uighur culture. The music of the ancient East is played here, people dance in bright national costumes, and the stage turns into a platform for celebrating life, love, and folk wisdom.
For tourists who want to immerse themselves in the multinational palette of Kazakhstan, the theater is not just an attraction, but a living cultural miracle, where each performance becomes a journey into the world of the Uighur soul.
History
The history of the theater began in 1961, when the first Uighur theater was established in Alma Ata. The theater was originally located in the Almaty region in the Village of Shelek (Chilek) and has been operating there since 1934. From the very first years of its existence, it has become an important part of the cultural life of the republic. The theater team toured throughout Kazakhstan, presenting performances based on folk tales, musical comedies and works by contemporary authors.
Over the years, outstanding stage masters, directors and composers have worked at the theater. Kuddus Kuzhamyarov, a talented composer, People's Artist of the USSR, and creator of the first Uighur opera, Nazugum, played a special role in the development of the theater. The theater was named after him, becoming a living monument to the great master. Today, the theater remains a unique venue where they continue to develop and preserve Uighur culture, making it accessible to audiences of different nationalities.
The first productions were in the Uighur language and were based on folk tales, everyday sketches and comedies. Already in 1957, the collective received the status of a professional theater, and in the 1980s, it specialized in musical comedy, which made it unique in the USSR.
In 1997, the theater was renamed in honor of Kakharman Kuzhamyarov, an outstanding Uighur actor, director, and People's Artist of Kazakhstan, who led the theater for more than 40 years and made an invaluable contribution to the development of Uighur stage culture.
Today, the Uighur Musical Theater in Almaty is not only a stage, but also a cultural center of the Uighur diaspora, where festivals, language courses, dance and cooking workshops are held.
Architecture, repertoire and creativity
The theater building is one of the most beautiful cultural buildings in Almaty. This modern building, built not so long ago, has a rounded shape with a glass exterior facade. Inside, the auditorium impresses with its comfort and rich decor – velvet armchairs, soft lighting and an elegant stage create an atmosphere of a real celebration of art.
At the entrance, you enter a cozy foyer with oriental carpets, carved screens and showcases, where national costumes, musical instruments (dap, satar, dutar) and photographs of legendary actors are presented.
The theater's repertoire is diverse and includes musical comedies, dramas, folklore productions and modern plays. Among the most famous performances are "Nazugum", "Son Altynai", "Gulchehra", "Sadyr Palom", as well as modern musical shows combining traditional melodies and modern rhythms. A special place is occupied by productions dedicated to love, freedom and the fate of the people – themes that are close to every viewer.
The theater actively cooperates with directors and composers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and China, participates in international festivals and cultural projects, where it successfully presents Uighur art.
How to get there and visit -
The Uighur Musical Comedy Theater is located in Almaty at 73 Karasai Batyr Street, Almaly district, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°15'04"N 76°56'10"E
You can get to the theater by bus No. 205, 92, 32. It is best to use taxi services through a special application or take a private car.
Working hours: Monday-Friday from 09.00 to 18.00 (Saturday-Sunday – weekend)
Contacts: +7 727 272 88 83
The legend of the theater
There is a beautiful legend among the artists: during the first production of "Nazugum", the lights suddenly went out in the auditorium, and the audience held their breath. At that moment, the actress who played the main character began to sing in total darkness – her voice filled the hall with such force that, according to eyewitnesses, the fire on the chandeliers flared up again. Since then, it has been believed that the spirit of Nazugum protects the theater and inspires the actors on stage, giving them strength and courage before each performance.
Interesting facts
The Kuzhamyarov Theater has become a cradle for many talented artists, singers and musicians. Over the decades of its existence, entire dynasties of actors have grown up here, passing their skills from generation to generation. The theater is also known for its costumes, which are handmade based on traditional Uighur ornaments and are striking in their brightness and grace.
The Uighur Musical Comedy Theater is a bridge between cultures, a living source of tradition and innovation. The spirit of the Uighur people is preserved here – cheerful, wise and beautiful. Each performance is not just a performance, but a complete immersion in the world of Oriental poetry, music and philosophy. Come to this amazing theater and you will hear the soul of the Uighur people singing to the rhythms of dutar and the melodies of ancient legends!
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