In the International Year of Peace and Trust, the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre decided to stage a production based on a work of Russian classical drama.
The choice fell on “The Marriage” by N.V. Gogol, because several years ago the theatre’s repertoire had been enriched by the production “The Marriage of Balzaminov”, based on A. Ostrovsky’s play and directed by Merdan Handurdyyev. That performance continues to enjoy enormous success with audiences. Both plays are devoted to the same theme and depict the same era and culture. Therefore, the theatre’s creative team sought to repeat that success.
The premiere of “The Marriage” by Gogol took place. Spectators witnessed the brilliant work of the director — People’s Artist of Turkmenistan Ovez Gelenov, the set designer — Honored Cultural Worker of Turkmenistan Batyr Bekmyradov, the music designer — Honored Cultural Worker of Turkmenistan Rovshen Nepesov, and the choreographer Olga Vasilyeva, as well as the outstanding performances of all the cast members.
Yet, whether Ovez Gelenov wanted it or not, regular theatergoers inevitably compared “The Marriage” with “The Marriage of Balzaminov”. It should be noted that Gogol’s play has a tragic ending — the groom runs away from the bride, whereas in Ostrovsky’s play, Balzaminov finds his happiness in marriage. So, Ovez Gelenov showed remarkable ingenuity: without altering Gogol’s text, he still led Agafya Tikhonovna and Podkolesin to the altar — not in the performance itself, but afterwards, during the actors’ curtain call. The astonished Agafya Tikhonovna nervously accepted a bouquet of flowers from her returning groom. This “ending after the ending” created a sensation in the hall.
The production has many strengths. First and foremost — the ensemble cast. With their dances and songs, the chorus elevated the play to the level of a vaudeville. And when the romance “In the Moonlight the Snow Shimmers” was performed in the Turkmen language, the audience broke into enthusiastic applause. The market scene greatly adorned the production — cheerful, sunny, and musical.
All the actors succeeded in conveying their characters precisely. Here one must especially thank costume designer Batyr Bekmyradov and the sewing workshop staff, who dressed all the participants in outfits matching Russian fashion of the early 19th century.
After receiving congratulations from the actors and audience, Ovez Gelenov, in a brief interview with reporters, said he was satisfied with the production and especially praised the performances of Gulnabat Abdullayeva (Agafya Tikhonovna), Dovran Charyyev (Podkolesin), and Yazgeldi Pashikov (Kochkaryov).
