The Pushkin State Russian Drama Theater has premiered a new play ‘Happiness of the Turkmen’ much to the delight of participants and theatrical enthusiasts, attending every production featured in the ongoing Turkmen Theater Festival.

The play, based on the books ‘The Spiritual World of the Turkmen’ and ‘Music of Friendship and Happiness’ by the President of Turkmenistan and poems by Magtymguly, tells the story of the great poet and the influence of his poetic and philosophical oeuvre on the national culture and spirituality.

The production brings the poems by Magtymguly to life, leaving the audience with the impression of a dialogue with the poet on patriotism, morality, and family values.

Production director Olga Volkova invited actor Andrey Pavlov for the role of Magtymguly. The actor’s remarkable transformative ability to really put himself in the place of his character adds great emotional depth to the production. What is more, Andrey is a true master at reciting poetry, and Magtymguly’s philosophical lines accurately translated by Arseny Tarkovsky are the major highlight of the play.

Ayna Jumaeva, a leading actress at the Theater, gives a brilliant performance as Mengli, Magtymguly Pyragy’s sweetheart and muse.

Production designers Honored Cultural Worker of Turkmenistan Galina Shichanina and Shemshat Mammedova created the laconic stage sets with an accent on the backstage area, showing Karakala’s dramatic landscapes that blend harmoniously with the play’s inspirational poetic language.

Professionals and theater lovers alike warmly received the Pushkin Theater’s new production greeting it with thunderous applause.

Tamara GLAZUNOVA

Photo: Yuri SHKURIN