From the thrilling musical numbers of “Saturday Night Fever” to the emotionally resonant exploration of love in “Constellation” and the celebration of the vibrant city of Alma-Ata in “Alma-Ata ’89,” each of ArtиШок’s plays provides a unique and unforgettable experience. Qazaqstan’s oldest private theater, ArtиШок, is a contemporary theater dedicated to promoting “free artistic professional expression in Kazakhstan,” as evident in their shows. The productions I had the pleasure of seeing include Saturday Night Fever (Лихорадка субботнего вечера), Constellation (Созвездия), and Алма-Ата’89. In this review, I aim to provide a critical evaluation of each show individually, and my experience with the theater as a whole.
To provide some context for my reviews, I am an American student currently studying at KazNu University in Russia at an intermediate level. Although I may have struggled with unfamiliar words, I was able to follow the plots of the shows that I will be reviewing. While I may not have the same level of expertise as a native Russian speaker, I have extensive experience enjoying theater across the United States and Europe. I have also had the privilege of playing various roles in six musicals since middle school and performing in numerous vocal performances both solo and in groups. Despite my limitations as a non-native speaker, I hope to offer a fresh perspective on Almaty’s most renowned contemporary theater.
From the moment I stepped into the theater and was greeted by thought-provoking contemporary art and mesmerizing LED lights, I knew I was in for an exceptional theatrical experience. As I settled into my seat, which was cleverly arranged like a bar, I was captivated by the visually stunning set adorned with a car, a DJ, and a glittering disco ball. The show, Saturday Night Fever, revolves around the life of Tony Manero, a young man from Brooklyn who longs for a better future while spending his weekends at the disco. The plot of the show took us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, moving from hyper-energetic dance sequences to disturbing and poignant moments, and back to light-hearted humor. While at times the pace felt jarring, it kept us on the edge of our seats, eager to see where the story would take us next. The musical numbers were a definite highlight, showcasing the impressive choreography and dancing skills of the talented cast. As a non-native speaker, I found the dialogue at times difficult to follow, but the musical numbers provided a welcome respite and an opportunity to fully appreciate the impressive production values of the show. The combination of captivating visuals, dynamic performances, and live music made for an unforgettable theater experience that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking a thrilling and immersive night out.
Next, I had the pleasure of seeing Constellation, a fascinating play that explores the intricacies of romantic relationships in a non-linear narrative. Directed by the talented Борис Павлович, the play examines the myriad possibilities and outcomes that can arise from the interactions between a man and a woman. Through a series of short scenes that depict different versions of the couple’s relationship, the play delves deep into the impact of chance events and seemingly minor decisions on the course of their lives. The performance took place in the intimate setting of the smaller ArtиШок Theater. Here the seating was integrated into the stage, with groups of seats arranged on platforms of varying heights around the actors. The small size of the theater meant that every audience member was just a few feet away from the performers, creating an unparalleled sense of intimacy.
The play was structured around three pairs of actors who each portrayed different possibilities in the same relationship. The repetition of lines by different actors allowed for multiple interpretations and expressions of the same material, showcasing the creativity and range of the performers. The staging seamlessly integrated with the plot, allowing the actors to traverse the stage with ease and making it easy for the audience to connect with each of them. Simplicity is a primary element of this show, but it would benefit from a few props, to elevate the immersion and experience as a whole. The combination of brilliant staging and exceptional acting created a sense of intimacy that permeated every aspect of the show. Constellation was a captivating and deeply moving exploration of love and the human experience that left me with a newfound appreciation for the power of theater. I would highly recommend this play to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant theatrical experience.
Alma-Ata ‘89, directed by Дмитрий Мышкин, delves into the city of Alma-Ata in 1989, a year that saw a legendary performance by the band “Kino”. However, the show is not solely about the band, but rather a celebration of the city itself. The plot itself is split up into a few moments in Almaty’s history, meaning the audience gets a view into many parts of the city. As a byproduct, the characters themselves are not a large focus, and they switch between each part. To ground the audience, the show could use more characters that remain, even as the plot jumps around. Walking into the theater for the second time, I was struck by the remarkable transformation of the set, with wooden risers adorned with rugs replacing the bar and high tables. The stage was covered with distinct Qazaq trinkets and details that were cleverly incorporated into the performance. Though it was the most challenging of the three shows for me to follow due to my non-native speaker status, my love for the city was palpable. Unlike the other shows, Alma-Ata ‘89 was filled with seemingly unrelated diversions, such as a live cooking performance, but they all contributed to the overarching celebration of the city. I highly recommend paying close attention and discovering these fun and unique elements for yourself while enjoying the show.
Each of these three plays provided entirely unique experiences, from a new take on an American classic to the intimate exploration of love in “Constellation” and the celebration of the city I’m falling in love with in “Alma-Ata ’89.” Despite their differences, they each demonstrated the exceptional talent and creativity of the directors, actors, and designers involved. The use of stage space and props in each show was particularly noteworthy, adding depth and nuance to the performances. Whether you’re a native speaker or not, the beauty of theater lies in the way it can communicate on multiple levels, and these shows are a perfect example of this.
– Charlie Ney
