ASTANA – Astana Opera travelled to Borovoye July 14 to present “Birzhan-Sara.” The open-air event was dedicated to the capital’s 20th anniversary, and the directors decided that the forest acoustics can bring fresh colour to the singing.
Photo credit: akorda.kz
“Birzhan-Sara” is the property of Kazakh opera art. To make the production more authentic and show the unique world of the Kazakh countryside, the Astana Opera administration has organised the performance in one of the nation’s most beautiful spots.
The premiere of composer Mukan Tulebayev’s new stage edition opened to grandiose audiences this spring at Astana Opera. The open-air event was supported by the Ministry of Culture and Sports.
All dramaturgy, with the exclusive decisions of the production group, and scenographic decisions of the play were preserved. The specifics of the theatre are conditional, however, and the experience of performing outdoors opened new opportunities.
Nature was part of the scenery, although the audience was still able to see the stunning waterfall, which so impressed those in the theatre, and pictures for the public’s imagination. The beautiful voices of the soloists, such as Birzhan singing his aria from afar, and harmonious sound of the orchestra promised unforgettable impressions.
The concept of the performance is characterised by the lack of a one-dimensional interpretation of the characters’ images. Viewers will get to know the story of Birzhan and Sara, a love that did not find a place on earth. The opera traditionally ends with the death of the protagonist, but the directors have decided to show the audience that the love sacrificed was not in vain.
International competition laureate Meir Bainesh played the part of Birzhan, while Kazakh honoured artist and state premium laureate Maira Mukhamedkyzy performed the part of Sara.
The performance featured Kazakh honoured art workers Zhanat Shybikbayev (Zhanbota), Dina Khamzina (Analyk) and Saltanat Akhmetova (Altynai). The cast was completed by international competition laureate Talgat Galehev (Zhienkul), Shyngys Rassylkhan (Kozhagul), Ramzat Balakishiyev (Serik) and Beimbet Tanarykov (Estai).
Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev, who is an avid opera lover, attended the staging of Birzhan Sara opera in Borovoye.
