The magic words “Open, Sesame!” that open the entrance to the cave of treasures are known to almost every child in the world, because the adventures of Ali Baba — a lively young man in love with the daughter of the richest man in the city — have become a legend that has lived on through many centuries.

The play “Ali Baba” was presented to young audiences of the State Russian Drama Theatre named after A.S. Pushkin by stage director Kerim Atayev and the troupe of actors who took part in this fairy tale. Let us recall that Ali Baba accidentally stumbled upon a cave where robbers kept their stolen treasures. His elder brother found out about the discovery and decided to help himself to the loot. But the Spirit of the Cave helped pure-hearted Ali Baba, and refused to help greedy and cunning Kasym. Instead of gold, Kasym met the robbers inside the cave — men quick to exact punishment.

Ali Baba was saved from the robbers by his beloved Zeynab. In a fierce fight with the leader of thieves, Ali Baba emerged victorious. When the townspeople and caravan merchants carrying exotic goods from distant lands along the Great Silk Road heard of this, they breathed a sigh of relief. And, most importantly, nothing now stood in the way of Ali Baba and Zeynab’s marriage.

Actors Magtymguly Gurbanov and Anna Hommadova, thanks to their natural sincerity and remarkable energy, perfectly suited the roles of Ali Baba and Zeynab. Merdan Nurmukhammedov appeared before the young audience as the very embodiment of the leader of thieves. The comic robber Ahmed was played with ease by Viktor Raut, while Mikhail Rogov portrayed the greedy and treacherous Kasym. The colorful atmosphere of the East was brought to life by the ensemble cast and set designer Yusup Shikhdurdyyev, with their bright costumes and lively dances. 

For Ashgabat’s boys and girls, as well as visitors to the capital, watching the play “Ali Baba” will be a wonderful way to spend any Sunday or holiday. It is worth adding that this production is the second directorial work of Kerim Atayev, whom audiences of the Pushkin Theatre know as an excellent actor and dancer. His first directorial work was the lyrical play “Butterflies Are Free.”