Theater Curtains Rise in Almaty for the 87th Year
Firing Up the Curtains: A Grand Return at the Abay State Opera and Ballet Theatre
After a lengthy hiatus, the grand Abay State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre is gearing up for its 87th theatrical season with a bang! Kicking off with a special concert entitled "Ұлы Абайға тағзым," this season is a unique and profound celebration of the 175th anniversary of the esteemed poet and thinker. This inaugural concert marks a historic first in the theatre's history.
The theatre's doors are once again swinging open, all decked out and buzzing with anticipation, as the lovable ensemble prepares for the big night, according to Almaty.tv. Aya Kalieva, the director of the GATOB named after Abay, conveyed her team's sentiments:
"We're more anxious than ever before. Today, it's not just our artists and team to worry about—we're responsible for a whole audience that's flocking to the theatre. Every single member of our staff is donning gloves and masks."
The performers share a similar unease, as the prolonged separation from their adoring audiences has left them feeling a tad apprehensive.
"We adore coming here. We're enamored with the melodies of Abay and his enchanting words. We're ecstatic to be here," one enthusiastic artist shared.
Another performer added,
"We slapped on our masks, cautiously stepping in, hoping they wouldn't turn us away. It's just the sheer joy of being able to set foot in this sacred sanctuary that fills our hearts."
In an unprecedented move, the theatre doors will open two hours prior to the event, offering patrons the chance to explore the memorial displays and art exhibits gracing the third floor of this magnificent edifice. The venue will only admit visitor with masks on, and attendees will be seatingly arranged in a checkerboard pattern, ensuring ample social distance.
While the initial seasons launched with the grand opera "Abai" by Ahmet Zhubanov and Latif Khamazov, this season, due to sanitary precautions, provides a concert "Ұлы Абайға тағзым," where the composers have cleverly adapted romantic songs and melodies to Abai's timeless words, making them accessible to a broader audience. Yerbolat Ahmedyarov, the conductor of GATOB named after Abay, noted:
"The beauty of this concert lies in the fact that our composers have reimagined the romances and songs of Abai, originally meant for solo piano accompaniment. Here, we reveal these masterpieces in a performance setting that many can enjoy."
This exhilarating season promises to bring forth a dazzling array of innovative and captivating productions. Stay tuned for a breathtaking series of performances and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of music, dance, and theatre.
In these extraordinary times, theatres worldwide have been compelled to implement several precautions, such as socially distanced seating arrangements, mandatory masks, enhanced hygiene protocols, and vaccination or test requirements, to make the viewing experience safe and enjoyable. Stay informed on the theatre's current measures and guidelines for a smoother visit.
Despite the transformation of the theatre landscape globally, the Abay State Opera and Ballet Theatre continues to provide an engaging home-and-garden ambiance for its patrons, with new precautions in place such as socially distanced seating and mandatory mask-wearing. Amidst these changes, the theatre still offers a unique lifestyle experience, immersing audiences in a captivating world of music, dance, and theatre.
