A Ballet Based on Abdimamil Nurpeisov’s Novel “Blood and Sweat” to Be Presented in Almaty
The Iconic Trilogy Comes to the Ballet Stage for the First Time
The novel trilogy Blood and Sweat (Qan men Ter) by Abdimamil Nurpeisov, one of the key figures of 20th-century Kazakh literature, has long been regarded as a classic of Kazakh literature and has served as the basis for numerous theatrical productions. However, the story has never before been adapted for the ballet stage.
The Abay Kazakh National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Almaty will open its 93rd theatre season with the premiere of the ballet Aq Bala. Through the language of choreography, the production team will explore the inner world of the characters, their emotions, losses and hopes.
A special place in the production is given to the tragedy of the Aral Sea, particularly significant because the author of the trilogy, Abdimamil Nurpeisov, was born in the Aral Sea region. Images of the sea, motherhood, a ruined home and a disappearing way of life become important symbols of the production, creating a multilayered stage world in which the personal stories of the characters intertwine with the drama of an entire era.
The ballet is choreographed and directed by Arshak Galumyan, who has been working in Berlin since 2004. He spent many years as a soloist with the Berlin State Ballet and currently serves as Co-Artistic Director of Berlin Ballet Company.
“I am always searching for something new, and the best way to find it is through culture and folk traditions. This production will immerse audiences in another world, where they will experience a range of emotional states. I found it particularly interesting to present the characters’ story and emotions through the lens of the present day.”
— Arshak Galumyan
Arshak Galumyan’s work reflects a distinctly contemporary and unconventional approach to ballet. For example, together with his colleagues at Berlin Ballet Company, he created A Techno Ballet Odyssey — a production that combines ballet and techno music. The performance was first presented in Serbia and later continued its run on German stages in Berlin, Baden-Baden and Cologne.
This makes the upcoming Aq Bala particularly intriguing, as audiences will have the opportunity to see how Galumyan’s contemporary artistic vision interprets this landmark work of Kazakh literature.
The creative team behind the ballet also includes:
Composer: Aruzhan Oktabyr
Conductor: Nurzhan Baibusinov, Honored Worker of Kazakhstan
Libretto: Shynar Omarova
Chief Chorus Master: Aliya Temirbekova, Honored Worker of Kazakhstan
Set Designer: Eleonora Peronetti (Italy)
The premiere of Aq Bala will take place on September 12–13. Tickets are already on sale.