The IV Republican Student Theater Festival “Student and Stage” was organized at the initiative of Abai University. The large-scale cultural event took place on the stage of the State Academic Puppet Theater in Almaty.

Held within the framework of the “Adal Azamat” principle, the festival aims to promote Kazakh dramaturgy, instill spiritual and moral values in young people, and develop the creative potential of student theaters. The jury consisted of distinguished professionals of Kazakhstan’s theater arts: Honored Worker of Kazakhstan and theater actor Zhalgas Tolganbay, Honored Artist of Kazakhstan Erzhan Kosbarmakov, actress of the G. Musrepov Theater Dinara Nurbolat, and theater and film actors Moldir Zikirbay and Bekzat Zhunisov. The jury thoroughly evaluated the artistic quality of the productions, directing decisions, acting skills, and ideological content.

The festival opened with the song “Abayymnan tapkanim” performed by Abai University students Amir Omirzak and Saulet Nurshapagan. At the ceremonial meeting, Vice-Rector for Social Development Maksat Zhakauov delivered a congratulatory speech, emphasizing the special importance of theater art in national education.

Student theaters from leading universities across the country participated in the festival. The first performance was presented by the “Biz” Student Theater of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University with the play “Apartment 117” by Kazybek Amanzhol. The theme of human destiny in modern society and spiritual search was expressively conveyed through the artistic interpretation of the production. The “Oyan” Student Theater of SDU staged the drama “Kur Sau” by Zhalgas Kazybek. The young actors deeply explored social issues and received warm applause from the audience.

The “Qaganat” Student Theater of Abai University then presented “Tarpan” by Shamil Nesipbay. The production highlighted ideas of national spirit and freedom, demonstrating a high level of stage culture. The “Karagoz” Student Theater of Shakarim University from the Abai region staged “Atau Kere” by Oralhan Bokei, offering a dramatic performance built on deep psychological motifs. The “Shanyrak” Folk Theater of L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University from the capital presented “No Man Has Two Deaths” by Zhambyl Artykbayev, reflecting on themes of life and death, morality, and responsibility.

The “Orken” Student Youth Theater of M. Auezov South Kazakhstan University from Shymkent staged “On the Night When the Wolf Howled” by Oralhan Bokei, artistically portraying the connection between humans and nature, fate and time. The festival concluded with the “Shattyk” Amateur Student Theater of Karaganda National Research University, which presented Mukhtar Magauin’s drama “A Woman’s Love.” The emotionally rich and psychologically subtle production was warmly received by the audience.

The performances reflected themes of national identity, honor, civic responsibility, human destiny, and pressing social issues. Student theaters from various regions demonstrated a high level of stage culture and acting excellence.

According to the festival results, first place was awarded to the “Oyan” Student Theater for the play “Kur Sau.” Second place went to the “Shanyrak” Folk Theater, and third place to the “Orken” Student Youth Theater. The “Qaganat” Student Theater of Abai University received the “Audience Choice Award,” while the “Shattyk” Amateur Student Theater of Karaganda National Research University won the “Best Creative Initiative” nomination. The “Best Male Role” award was presented to the “Karagoz” Student Theater of Shakarim University, and the “Best Female Role” award to the “Biz” Student Theater of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

Winners and participants were awarded cash certificates, letters of appreciation from the Chairman of the Board – Rector of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University Bolat Tilep, as well as branded gifts. The annual traditional student theater festival will continue to contribute to the spiritual development of youth and the flourishing of theatrical art.

Media Center “Abai University”