Genesis

Ballet in Kyrgyzstan

 High art, formal wear, and brandy with lemon on a concession stand during intermission. Cultural codes are easily read by residents of the Post-Soviet space. Kyrgyz National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater named after Abdylas Maldybayev. A monument of the past in the style of classicism: massive columns, sculptural compositions, and the Soviet emblem on the facade. A rich interior that brings visitors back to the atmosphere of a bygone era. Only the Coca-Cola banner in the canteen of the theater hints that something has changed.

 Today, Kyrgyzstan is a young independent state, caught in the dynamic intersection of its Soviet heritage and the establishment of its budding national civic identity. This new life is already in full swing inside the theater. Yesterday’s schoolchildren and students have become a ballet troupe of talented, young performers. Gadgets, social networks, Instagram and TikTok in between grueling rehearsals under the gaze of Abdylas Maldybaev, whose portrait adorns the ballet class. But these dancers love their jobs, they are the future of Kyrgyz ballet, their country, the whole world. And this future should be bright.

 An Israeli composer and producer, a choreographer from the Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg, an orchestra conductor, and a project manager from Kaliningrad, together with the staff and the ballet troupe of the Kyrgyz Theater, are making a bold experimental production themed around the Old Testament. The picture looks surreal, but fascinating. Many unknowns and difficulties lie ahead. At any moment everything can go wrong, no one has ever done this before. But enthusiasm and dedication should be rewarded. Let’s go backstage and live through these moments together, from the first rehearsals to opening-night.