Bukhara Theatre Presents “The Queen’s Tears” at the 5th International Theatre Festival
Amul Info ·
Uzbekistan’s Bukhara State Musical Drama Theatre presented «The Queen’s Tears» at the 5th International Theatre Festival in Ashgabat. The production, depicting the life of Kurmanjan Datka, attracted strong audience interest and was warmly applauded.
The 5th International Theatre Festival, titled “Theatre Art of a Prosperous Era”, currently taking place in Turkmenistan, continues with stage productions by creative groups from various countries. The festival programme features performances by theatre companies from Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Armenia.
On the next day of the festival, the Bukhara State Musical Drama Theatre of Uzbekistan presented its production “The Queen’s Tears” (“Dodhoh”) on the stage of the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theatre. The performance is based on the drama “The Princess’s Tears” by Kyrgyz writer Sultan Raev. It was directed by Laziz Navruzov.
The play depicts the challenging periods in the life of Kurmanjan Datka, who is known in Central Asian history as the “Queen of Alai” and the “Queen of the South”. This historical figure, who lived in the 19th century, is remembered as the only female ruler in Central Asia to have received the prestigious title of “datka”, a rank regarded as equivalent to that of a general in the Kokand Khanate and the Emirate of Bukhara. The title “dodhoh”, which translates from Persian as “just” or “judge”, also highlights the significance of her historical role.
The leading role was performed by actress Nafisa Saidova. The stage design was created in a dynamic format, changing in accordance with the atmosphere of the events depicted. At certain moments, the audience sees difficult-to-cross mountain ranges, while in others, vast expanses of water appear on stage. Images of birds, animal heads and other decorative elements help bring the historical events of that period to life.
The mournful voices of three elderly women positioned in different parts of the stage, together with the character of the messenger of fate, give the production a particularly mysterious atmosphere. The messenger sometimes appears before the main character and then disappears, at times encouraging her and at other moments filling her with anxiety.
The artistic impact of the production is further enhanced by the fact that many of its dialogues and monologues are written in verse, drawing on the traditions of folk poetry. The stage design created by artist Farhod Hotamov also deserves special attention. In some scenes, the use of shadow theatre techniques leaves a distinctive impression on the audience.
“The Queen’s Tears” was warmly received by spectators and representatives of the theatrical community. The performance concluded with enthusiastic applause and bouquets of flowers. The production was also attended by Kakajan Ashyrov, People's Artist of Turkmenistan and a renowned theatre director. Guests took commemorative photographs with him.
The fifth edition of the International Theatre Festival in Turkmenistan serves as an important platform for creative groups from different countries to exchange experience, discuss the development of theatrical art and strengthen cultural ties.