On the eve of International Children’s Day, the Halyk Charity Foundation, together with the Astana Opera State Theater of Opera and Ballet, organized an educational program called “Theater Lesson at Astana Opera” for young theater enthusiasts. During the two-day event, the children were able not only to watch a ballet performance but also to see what life is like behind the theater stage.
Before looking into the most secret corners of the backstage of the opera and ballet theater, young viewers learned about the history of the creation of the Astana Opera. It turns out that architects, builders and other specialists from 33 countries worked on its exterior and interior. The theater employees also told about other interesting facts.
“Did you know that when constructing our building, all the shortcomings of other world theaters were taken into account, so there are no errors in its design? The theater’s interior combines Greco-Roman motifs with Kazakh national traditions. Notice that the foyer décor is entirely based on Kazakh patterns, and on both sides of the entrance, the marble staircases feature natural landmarks — Burabay National Park and the Charyn Canyon,” the girls explained.
Thus began the teenagers’ little journey into the temple of Melpomene. Here, the kids saw firsthand what lies behind the grand stage. They visited the main auditorium and the small chamber hall, watched the performers in the rehearsal room, and explored the museum exhibits. A tour of the theater’s workshops was also organized for the children. Boys and girls saw how the costume, footwear, props, and stagecraft workshops operate.
And in the recording studio, the teenagers learned about the important mission of a sound engineer. Here they even asked the specialist a few questions:
– Sitting here, can you see everything that’s happening on stage?
– Is a sound engineer a technical or creative profession?
– Aren’t you confusing the buttons on the remote? – young voices were heard from different sides.
Having received answers to their questions, the children went to a lecture. Here they were told about the program of the “Theater Lesson at Astana Opera”. After the lecture, the teenagers willingly shared their impressions of the excursion:
– Today is my first time here. It’s like I’ve entered another world with its own rules and traditions. Unlike other theaters I’ve been to, this one is simply huge. The building is very beautiful. Thousands of costumes, shoes. Before this, I couldn’t even imagine that the theater had its own workshops. I’m delighted, – says young Temirlan.
– I didn’t know that medical staff could work in the opera and ballet theater. I also learned that performers are given only 23 seconds to change costumes between scenes during a performance. I also really enjoyed watching the theater’s creative team rehearse, because during rehearsal, the work is perceived in a special way – said sixteen-year-old Alexandra.
A pleasant addition to the excursion was the ballet production to the music of N. Rimsky-Korsakov “Scheherazade”. Young viewers saw beautiful dances in a duet and solo performance. According to the teenagers, they were looking forward to this part of the educational program.
– Ballet is not at all like the dances we see in modern life. It is a very fascinating performance. While watching the ballet, you don’t want to be distracted, but watch how the performers perform different tricks, lifts. You feel the lightness, they are simply magnificent! – says the enthusiastic Ivan.
– The dances were magical. I especially liked the dance “Bakhchisarai Fountain”. Looking at the artists, I wanted to dance myself. And the number where an old photograph came to life was very interesting and funny. I think I will remember my first visit to the “Astana Opera” for a long time, – the cheerful young man Edige shared his impressions.
Many guests who attended the theatre lesson at Astana Opera associate their future with creativity. In this regard, the children’s mentors note the high importance of the educational meeting. At the end of the event, they thanked the organizers for the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fabulous unforgettable atmosphere of the theatre.
