THE GREAT SILK WAY
«Great Silk Way»
Ballet in 2 acts and 5 scenes
Idea and libretto by Gulzhan Tutkibayeva, People’s Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan
Music by Aigerim Erkebayeva
The musical and choreographic performance «Great Silk Way» is a philosophical parable about the search for love, spirituality, and the authenticity of human emotions in an age of total digitalization and alienation.
In the Prologue
The audience is transported into a bleak future, where people live in isolation, absorbed by technology. Yet one young man, who has preserved his longing for genuine feelings, meets a wise old man who opens before him the gates of the past - to the era of the Great Silk Way.
In Act I
The vibrant spirit of the ancient East comes to life: a caravanserai of ancient Turks, a lively bazaar, merchants from India, Persia, China, and Venice. Amidst this colorful world, the young man meets a girl named Aksunkar, the embodiment of beauty and femininity. Love ignites between them, but their happiness is threatened by a mysterious Venetian mirror trader - a symbol of the illusory world - who enchants Aksunkar and plunges her into a magical sleep.
In Act II
The young man embarks on a journey to find his beloved, facing trials and undergoing inner transformation. He attains ancient wisdom, discovers the power of love, and confronts the merchant of illusions. His victory over illusion restores his true feelings - yet Aksunkar vanishes, leaving only the radiant light of her image within his heart.
In the Finale
Тhe hero returns to the world of the future. But now, carrying the fire of love within him, he awakens emotions in others - and the frozen city gradually comes to life and begins to change.
PREMIERE
«THE GREAT SILK WAY»
ballet in 2 acts
Author of the libretto and choreographer – Gulzhan Tutkibayeva, People’s Artist of Kazakhstan
Cast and Performers:
Young Man
ASHIRBEK AYUPOV
Aqsunkar
ZHANEL TUKEEVA
Venetian Merchant
SYRYM AYUPOV
Head Monk
AKYL JUAS
Tempters
ADIYA MANABASOVA, TOMIRIS AKYN, MERUERT SATOVA
Elder
DAUREN ZHENIS
Dance of Spices
NARGIZ MIRSEIDOVA, AISHOLPAN ZHAKSYLYKOVA, AIZHAN BEYSEMBINOVA
Rubies
DINARA KUDABAYEVA, RIZA TAGANOVA, AO IVASAKI, GULBARSHYN KASABOLAT, VARVARA PONOMARENKO
Symphony Orchestra and Ballet of the Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theatre after Abay
Production Team:
Choreographer — Gulzhan Tutkibayeva, People’s Artist of Kazakhstan
Stage Director-Conductor — Kuanish Ismailov
Conductor — Kanat Omarov
Set and Costume Designer — Alexandra Rychkova
Lighting Designer — Tatyana Mishina, laureate of the “Golden Mask” Award (Moscow, Russia)
Video Content Designer — Marat Sagadinov
Choreographer’s Assistants — Gulvira Kurbanova, Honored Worker of Kazakhstan, Ruslan Kadyrov, Olzhas Makhanbetaliev
