SHAKARIM. Premiere!

Shakarim, a musical drama by Yermek Amanshaev, is a profound philosophical work inspired by the life and creative legacy of the great Kazakh thinker, poet, and composer Shakarim Qudaiberduly.

Like a bright star in the sky of Kazakh spirituality, Shakarim dedicated his life to awakening the consciousness of his people. A seeker of truth, a master of profound thought, and a spiritual mentor to his nation, he stands as a timeless figure whose voice continues to resonate through the ages.

To discover Shakarim is to reflect upon our past and to chart a clear course for our future.

The great heritage of Shakarim Qudaiberduly is an eternal beacon, guiding the spiritual renewal of our people.

The musical drama portrays Shakarim’s fate during turbulent and silenced chapters of history, his spiritual quest, his vision of justice and love, as well as the dramatic events that shaped his life.

The performance unfolds through a series of vivid stage scenes, revealing the inner world of Shakarim and the characters around him.

Particularly significant is the portrayal of the spiritual bond between Abai Qunanbaiuly and Shakarim the elder’s guidance, his fraternal care, and Shakarim’s unwavering commitment to carrying forward his legacy.

Shakarim is a musical drama that seeks to inspire the younger generation, celebrating the creative heritage of an outstanding figure, upholding spiritual values, and promoting the human virtues of kindness, compassion, and integrity.

Production Team

Stage Adaptation & Director
Askhat Maemirov,
Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan

Composer & Musical Arrangements for the Ensemble
Baurzhan Aktaev,
Recipient of the For Distinguished Labour Medal,
Holder of the Excellence in Culture Title

Chorus Master
Galymzhan Berkeshov,
Holder of the Excellence in Culture Title

Set Designer
Alma Syrbayeva,
Holder of the Excellence in Culture Title

Choreographer
Anna Tsoy

Make-up Artist
Zazira Akimgalikyzy

Chorus Masters

Shyngys Aimaq

Zhansulu Tolegen

Zhangali Temirgaliev

Lighting Designer
Yermek Mukhtaruly

Sound Engineer
Asylzhan Askarov

Assistant Directors
Baurzhan Nurbai
Elaman Imanbayev
Aidanа Zheteshova

Characters and Cast

Shakarim Qudayberdiuly
A. Ötepbergen - Laureate of the State Youth Prize «Daryn»
Q. Eskara

The Spirit of Shakarim
O. Igilik - Recipient of the Medal «For Distinguished Labour»
D. Nurmagambetov

Shakarim as a Child
D. Nurlan

Abai Qunanbaiuly
A. Musagaliyev - Holder of the title «Excellence in Culture»

Young Abai
A. Arapov

Qudayberdi (Shakarim’s Father)
A. Amankulov

Ahat Shakarimuly (aged 61)
A. Tölepov - Laureate of the State Youth Prize «Daryn», Recipient of the Medal «For Distinguished Labour»

Young Ahat
N. Sadyrbayev

Aighansha (Shakarim’s Beloved Wife)
Zh. Tölegen
A. Bagzat

Abzal Karasartov (Head of the NKVD Detachment)
S. Mukashev
M. Bagasharov

Qabysh Karimquly (Villager who Guarded Shakarim’s Remains for 30 Years)
M. Qabdesh

Evney Buketov (Prominent Scholar, Academician)
E. Mukhambet

Myrzagul (Middle Brother of Qudayberdi)
Zh. Temirgaliev

Mahmud (Aighansha’s Father)
N. Tynybek

Duisenbi (Friend of Shakarim)
A. Abdenov

Elders
S. Kenshilik
Q. Zhalgasov

Gabdolla Koskeyev - Teacher
N. Kenshilik

Gabdolla’s fiancée
A. Bolat

Mukhysh Boshtayev - Member of the Court
A. Imangali

Yspan - Younger brother of Orazbai, plaintiff to the court
T. Kenes

Berdesh Azimbayuly - Uprising participant
B. Baigaraev

Ziyat - Son of Shakarim
B. Zhuzbay, I. Otetileu

Kassymbek - Uprising participant
Á. Ismailov

Idayat - Uprising participant
N. Aimambetov

Ghylymbai - Uprising participant
I. Otetileu

Khalitov - Member of the NKVD detachment
Á. Alisher

Aitkozha Kozhakanov - Member of the NKVD detachment
I. Assylkhan

Mäuithkhan Baymishev - Member of the NKVD detachment
S. Duiseikhanov

Aitmurzha Túnlikbayev - Member of the NKVD detachment
A. Kuandykov

Kalkaman - Warrior
A. Kuandykov

Mamyr - Beloved of Kalkaman
Sh. Kaldybai, G. Qurmet

Kokenai - Warrior
S. Duiseikhanov

Änet Baba - Wise elder (spiritual leader)
A. Bolatov

Leo Tolstoy - Spirit/ghostly apparition
R. Usmanov, A. Amandykov

White Falcon (Aqsungqar)
E. Imanbayev

The Vultures (Qúzgýndar)
A. Amandyk, Á. Balakanov, Zh. Bekmyrzayuly, M. Beisen, N. Aimambetov

Gúllar - Daughter of Shakarim
K. Naushabayeva, I. Rizabekova

Tölebike - Senior wife of Qudaiberdy
A. Zamzat

Botanai - Junior wife of Qudaiberdy

L. Ayazbayeva
Ensemble Cast: Theatre Actors

Accompaniment: The Theatre’s Ethno-Folklore Ensemble