At the initiative of Shakarim University, in honor of the 180th anniversary of the great Abai and the 65th anniversary of the founding of the first student theater at the university, the II Republican Festival of Student Theaters "Adamdyq Boryshyn" was held, bringing together theaters from leading universities across Kazakhstan.
The festival opened with the play "Bari bir emes" by the "Qaganat" theater from Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University.
The performance touched on the pressing issues of modern society: youth social responsibility, moral values, and the struggle against injustice.
The "Duman" Youth People's Theater from South Kazakhstan University named after M. Auezov also demonstrated deep emotional impact.
Through the characters of a writer, a desperate bookseller, and a mother worn out by poverty, the actors vividly portrayed the tragedy of contemporary life.
"The play was written in a polyptych format, combining short scenes tailored to the perception style of modern youth, accustomed to the dynamic nature of social media," — explained playwright and director Yerlan Akylbekov.
Over three days, 12 student theaters from across Kazakhstan took the stage.
Young actors delighted audiences with their skills, evoking laughter, tears, and reflection.
The jury, consisting of artists from the Abai Kazakh Musical Drama Theater and the "Dariga-ai" Youth Theater, evaluated the performances, highlighting both artistic mastery and ideological depth.
Festival Winners:
Grand Prix – "Duman" Theater, South Kazakhstan University named after M. Auezov;
1st place – "Rukh" Theater, International Kazakh-Turkish University named after H.A. Yassawi;
2nd place – "Aqjelken" Theater, Kazakh Agrotechnical Research University named after S. Seifullin;
3rd place – "Shyng" Theater, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University.
The final highlight of the festival was the play "Karagoz" by M. Auezov, performed by the "Karagoz" Theater of Shakarim University, a team that already won the Grand Prix at two national competitions this year.
Zhidebai: A Sacred Land
An essential part of the festival was the trip to Zhidebai — the sacred land where Abai, Shakarim, and Mukhtar Auezov were born.
There, among the winds and stones of the great steppe, the participants truly felt the breath of history.
"In honor of the 180th anniversary of Abai and the 65th anniversary of the founding of the first student theater, it is no coincidence that on this sacred land, where the ideas of conscience and freedom were born, 12 student theaters from 7 regions came together to share their art.
I sincerely hope that Shakarim University will always remain in your hearts as a place where courage, sincerity, and high culture are valued," — addressed the youth Rector Duman Orynbekov.
The "Adamdyq Boryshyn" festival became more than just a creative competition.
It was a journey into oneself, to the roots of culture, to the origins of the nation, to the ideals of freedom and responsibility.
During these days in Semey, new friendships, new dreams, and new theatrical visions were born.
And thus — a new future was born.
