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CHANEL №5

31 may, 18:00, from 1 500 тг. Buy tickets

One of the darkest and most tragic chapters in human history was the Stalinist repression of 1937–1954 - a campaign of terror that devastated entire generations.

Kazakhstan’s intellectual and political elite of the early 20th century - individuals such as Alikhan Bokeikhanov, Akhmet Baitursynuly, Beimbet Mailin, Ilyas Zhansugurov, Saken Seifullin, Temirbek Zhurgenov, Zhusip Doshmukhameduly, Magzhan Zhumabayev, Zhusipbek Aimauytov, Shakarim Kudaiberdyuly, and Zhumat Shanin - were falsely accused of being «enemies of the people». Many were executed without trial; others were imprisoned, silenced, or exiled.

These noble figures, who gave their lives for national ideals and the dream of an independent future, were not the only ones to suffer. Their wives, children, and families were also targeted by a ruthless totalitarian regime that criminalized even kinship and loyalty.

By official order, the Soviet state arrested the wives of «traitors to the Motherland,” labeling them accomplices. Over 20,000 women - innocent and defenceless - were torn from their homes and sent to A.L.ZHIR, the infamous Akmola Camp for Wives of Traitors to the Motherland. Located at Site No. 26, near what is now Astana, this camp became a symbol of silent suffering and unmatched resilience.

The Musical Youth Theatre’s powerful new documentary drama, CHANEL №5 by playwright M. Omarova, pays homage to these courageous women. It is a story of unwavering loyalty, dignity in despair, and inner strength in the face of unspeakable injustice.

The play brings to life the voices of Guljamal Mailina, Dametken Ermekova, Zhanbike Shanina, Natalia Sats, Rakhil Messerer-Plisetskaya, Kira Andronnikashvili, Anna Timiryova, Gertrude Plathais and others - women who were loyal wives, mothers, artists, intellectuals, doctors, and human beings. These women endured exile, humiliation, and psychological torment, but they never lost their humanity or hope.

Despite unimaginable hardship, they held onto kindness, compassion, integrity, and love. Their stories - drawn from real letters and memoirs - invite audiences to reflect on freedom, justice, and the enduring spirit of womanhood.

Their lives, their sorrow, their hope - now eternalized in this performance - stand as sacred legacies carved into the heart of our nation’s memory.

Cast includes:

Guljamal Mailina (Wife of writer Beimbet Mailin)

Samal Yeslyamova,

Honoured Artist of Kazakhstan Makpal Duisen

Khamit Aksuatov (Investigator, travelling judge)

Orazaly Igilik, DinIslam Nurmaganbetov, Elaman Imanbai

Zhanbike Shanina (Wife of the first Kazakh professional theatre director Zhumat Shanin)

Zamira Sapar, Shynar Kaldybai

Damesh Ermekova-Zhurgenova (Wife of statesman Temirbek Zhurgenov, paediatrician)

Inabat Rizabekova, Dana Kabilova

Natalia Sats (Pioneering female opera director, Soviet and Russian theatre figure)

Guldana Abdissadyk, Nuray Rysbekova

Sofya Kolchak (Wife of Admiral A.V. Kolchak, White Army leader)

Alfiya Khaizullieva, Dariya Bolsanbek

Rakhil Messerer-Plisetskaya (Soviet film actress, mother of famed ballerina Maya Plisetskaya)

Sabira Sugurova, Diana Turzhanova

Juliette - A French actress character

Arelana Amangeldieva, Ayazhan Bagdat

Gertrude Plathais (German-born woman)

Zhansaya Omirbekova, Laura Ayazbayeva

Kira Andronnikashvili (Famous Georgian actress, wife of Soviet writer Boris Pilnyak)

Makpal Duisen, Zhanel Yesengeldina

Evdokia Melanich (Serbian nun; one of 12 executed nuns once held at ALZHIR)

Zhansulu Tolegen, Diana Nagmetullayeva

Alexandra - A revolutionary, staunch communist and secret informant within the camp

Dana Vereshchak, Albina Khamidullina