«Ai and Aisha» — M. Auezov Theatre on Tour in Turkestan

This powerful stage production is based on the novel «Ai and Aisha» and the novella «A Battle Without Guns» by the esteemed writer Sherkhan Murtaza, adapted for the theatre by Erkin Zhuasbek.

Set during the harrowing years of the Second World War, the play portrays the struggles of those left behind on the home front. At its heart is Aisha - a resilient village woman burdened with raising three children alone after her husband is branded an «enemy of the people» and sent into exile. Amid war, famine, and despair, Aisha clings to hope and fights like a swallow shielding her nest - not only for her children’s survival, but for dignity and life itself.

This is not merely Aisha’s story - it is the story of an entire nation’s soul. In the face of fear and betrayal, the unbreakable spirit of the people endures. Through lyrical imagery and poignant drama, the play honours the extraordinary courage of mothers and children, of elders and the forgotten heroes of the home front. It is a tribute to resilience, sacrifice, and the enduring human spirit.

Cast Highlights:

Baryskhan - Elzhan Turys

Nurperzent - Ermek Bektasov

Aidai - Azharlym Bakytzhanova, winner of the «Umіt» nomination at the Sakhnager National Theatre Awards

Totia - Indira Kulmagambetova

Kamqa - Gulnar Zhakypova, People’s Artist of Kazakhstan, recipient of the «Qurmet» Order

Aisha - Dariya Zhussip, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan, laureate of the Youth Union Award

Tasbet - Zhandarbek Sadyrbaev, laureate of the «Daryn» State Youth Award, recipient of the «Qurmet» Order

Kalpe - Zhumagali Makhanov, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan, laureate of the Youth Union Award

Murtaza - Zhalgas Tolganbai, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan

Mamay - Tungyshbai Zhamankulov, People’s Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan, laureate of the State Prize

Khansha - Shynar Askarova, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan, laureate of the Youth Union Award

Orak / Wolf - Sherkhan Pirnazarov

NKVD Officers - Meirambek Taganov, Kasym Demeu

Elik - Zarina Katashyeva