On February 2 and 3, the triumphant return of The Language of Love performance choreographed by Mukaram Avakhri will take place, which will be one of the first noticeable events of 2024 at the Astana Ballet Theatre. In addition, The Mists of Time production by Yixiang Zhang will be presented. These ballets can be called a hymn to beauty and perfection: they are completely different in terms of plastique, stage design, and subject matter, but they share a common feeling – admiration. In one production, it is the admiration for a woman, in the other, the fascination of profound poetry.
In the first part of the evening, admirers of choreographic art will have a chance to enjoy the one-act ballet “The Language of Love” staged to the music of Renat Salavatov, Karl Jenkins and Khamit Shangaliyev. The author of the libretto is the Honoured Figure of the Republic of Kazakhstan Bakhyt Kairbekov, and the choreographer is the Honoured Figure of the Republic of Kazakhstan Mukaram Avakhri.
“The Language of Love” is a bright and philosophical production dedicated to the poetry of Abai Qunanbaiuly. The performance contains a lot of technical actions, choreographic discoveries, with the help of which the choreographer conveys his admiration for the poetry of the classic of Kazakh literature. The ballet includes eight variations: Insight, Segiz Ayak, Seasons of the Year, Kozimnin Qarasy, Toy Bastar, Tatyana’s Letter, the Poet’s Prayer, Zhelsiz Tunde...
“These are a kind of variations dedicated to the work of the great Abai, his profound philosophical experiences and reflections. This is not a biographical ballet, it was important for me to convey his state, what he thought, what he felt when he praised the beauty of women and the beauty of nature. In this production, one can trace the earthly path of the creator: a connection with his native land, which gives strength, as well as tender feelings for a woman, the delight of a holiday and the search for a soul mate, awareness of loneliness and understanding of the infinity and boundlessness of love,” notes choreographer Mukaram Avakhri.
The second part of the evening will feature one of the most famous productions by Chinese choreographer Yixiang Zhang “The Mists of Time” staged to the music of modern composers Max Richter, Dowwei and Kashiwa Daisuke. With the help of choreographic language, the choreographer conveyed his admiration for women, relying on the ancient Chinese philosophy, according to which female nature is akin to the element of “yin” and is associated with two seasons of the year – autumn and winter. It was probably not easy for him to decide what impresses him most about a woman: external beauty or mental strength, the ability of women to overcome difficulties, to be strong in challenging circumstances.
Both productions, despite their difference, grip the attention of the audience from the first movements. Choreographers Mukaram Avakhri and Yixiang Zhang used diverse, dynamic and expressive choreographic language, as well as experimented and created. What is happening on stage makes such a deep impression that it remains in the memory and makes you wish to watch these ballets more than once.
The events will be held with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan.