Janyl Myrza : Striking Performance by the B. Beyshenaliyeva University at the 4th Student Theatre Festival of TURKSOY
The 4th International Student Theatre Festival of the Turkic World held in the city of Turkistan in Kazakhstan under the auspices of the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) with the support of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Organization (TIKA), the Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Turkish-Kazakh University, the Regional Administration of Turkistan, the Municipal Council of Turkistan and the Ministry of Culture and Information of Kazakhstan, brought together young talents from across the Turkic World. One of the festival’s highlights was the play “Janyl Myrza” performed by students from the B. Beyshenaliyeva Kyrgyz State University of Culture and Arts.
The Inner Conflict of a Female Hero
Based on one of the Kyrgyz people’s short epics and dealing with the life of Janyl Myrza—a powerful female figure who challenged the perceptions of her time—the play goes beyond a mere tale of heroism to offer the audience a profound dramatic narration. This brave character, who fights together with men to protect her people and her homeland, grapples with deeply human emotions—such as love, loneliness and the fate of womanhood—whilst simultaneously waging a struggle for honour, freedom and her homeland.
Beyond Janyl’s external struggles, the play also deals with the conflicts within her heart, the turmoil of her inner world and the difficult choices she is forced to make as a human being. While holding up a mirror to a bygone era, the play also poses thought-provoking questions about freedom, honour and individual choices in today’s world. The production was awarded the ‘Best Stage Performance’ prize following the festival’s evaluations.
Large Student Cast on Stage
Directed by Imash Ajykul, with course supervision by Shamil Dıykanbayev and choreography by Begimay Rayımbekova, the play’s large student cast and the characters they portray are listed as follows:
- Janyl Myrza: Nurgiza Kankeldi’s daughter
- Tülkü: Nurkazı Nazirbekov
- Üçüke: Temirlan Allaberdi’s son
- Manjy Törö: Elizar Ermenkanov
- Kalmatai: Adisbek Acibekov
- Komuzcu: Bekcan Bayaman’s son
Chorus Members: Adelya Orozbayeva, Aymeerim Yusupova, Aksana Rysbek’s daughter, Aygül Kubanova, Ayema Ulanbekova, Alımbek Orozbekov, Tynychtyk Myktybek’s son, Altynay Dokturbekova.
The play “Janyl Myrza” which received a standing ovations from the jury and the audience, aims at transmitting our ancient culture to younger generations through the blending of traditional heroic narratives with universal human themes.
Medya Galerisi
(21)
