The best in the genre of dramatic ballet – аn enchanting premiere of «The Fountain of Bakhchisarai» is offered to the viewers of the Astana Opera House. Kazakhstani choreographers Tursynbek Nurkaliev and Galiya Buribaeva, who have been working on a new version of the ballet, will present it to the wider audience on April 11 and 12.

Boris Asafiev wrote his choreographic poem «The Fountain of Bakhchisarai» in four acts with a prologue and an epilogue based on the eponymous poem by Alexander Pushkin. The choreographer Rostislav Zakharov staged the ballet to the scenario by Nikolai Volkov in 1934.

- Working on the production, we did not try to change everything; on the contrary, we tried to preserve the heritage. However, taking into consideration the trends of a new era, we made some changes. Therefore, we staged new dances with trays, dance of the second wife, morning in the harem and a new dance in the captives’ scene. The characters of Maria, Zarema, Vaslav, Girey and Nurali that are included in the treasury of the world choreography have remained untouched. Previously, the work on this ballet was done in Soviet style only. Now we want to bring our production, characterized by a large number of colors in the set and costume design, to the world standards, – says Galiya Buribaeva.

Outstanding artists of the century Ezio Frigerio and Franca Squarciapino worked on the scenery and costumes for the production of «The Fountain of Bakhchisarai». Set designer Ezio Frigerio does not require special introduction. Eminent directors all over the world consider it an honor to work with him. From his brilliant works we would like to note «The House of Bernarda Alba» with Nuria Espert (London, 1987), «L’Avare» by J.B. Moliere with Roger Planchon (Paris, 1988), «The Seagull» by Anton Chekhov with Andrei Konchalovsky (Paris, 1988), «Die Physiker» by F. Dürrenmatt with Marco Sciaccaluga (Geneva, 1990). In 1972, he worked on his first production in collaboration with his future wife Franca Squarciapino – William Shakespeare’s «King Lear» (directed by G. Strehler at Piccolo Theatre). Since then, the couple works together – he as the set designer, she as the costume designer. The «Oscar» winner Franca Squarciapino performed filigree work for the Astana Opera House. All the technologically sophisticated costumes are hand-made.

- We are experiencing a unique moment, because we are working with unsurpassed designers. Ezio Frigerio has created an impressive Polish castle that the audience will see in the first act. With regard to the harem, which the viewers will be transported to in the second act, it is necessary to say a special thank you to the set designer who created the scenery with a very high measure. He portrayed the Alhambra – the quintessence of Arab architecture, an impressive architectural and park ensemble that includes ancient palaces, forts and gardens of Muslim rulers and is considered to be the highest achievement of Moorish architecture in Western Europe. The uniqueness of Arabic decor is in its ornate patterns, rather than the colours. The «Fountain of Tears», which in our production will be made in the form of 3D projection, deserves special attention. Keeping in mind the historical facts, it belongs to a class of fountains, named by the Eden wellspring Selsebil. Fountains of Selsebil type have religious significance, as they were placed in holy places. It is believed that when the soul goes to heaven, it quenches its thirst from this clean well. When trying to interpret the symbolism of this fountain in a poetic way, it reminds of a marble flower that sheds tears.

Almost the entire «Astana Opera» ballet company takes part in the production. In the two days of the premiere the casts of soloists interchange: Princess Maria – Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan, guest soloist of the Opéra National de Bordeaux (France) Madina Basbayeva, Nazerke Aimukhametova; Zarema, beloved wife of Girey – Aigerim Beketayeva, Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan Gaukhar Usina, Anel Rustemova; Khan Girey – Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan Tursynbek Nurkaliev, Baurzhan Mekembayev, Zhanibek Imankulov, Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhandos Aubakirov. Warlord Nurali – Bakhtiyar Adamzhan, Eldar Sarsembayev, Serik Nakyspekov, Arman Urazov; Vaslav, Maria’s fiance – Yerkin Rakhmatullaev, Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan Tair Gatauov. The action takes place in Poland and Bakhchisarai at the turn of XVIII-XIX centuries. Music Director of the production is the Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan Aidar Abzhakhanov.

People’s Artist of Russia, artistic director of the «Astana Opera» ballet company Altynai Asylmuratova worked on Zarema, one of the main characters of the ballet. She has prepared the leading soloists of the Astana Opera House – the guest soloist of the St. Petersburg Eifman Ballet Aigerim Beketaeva, the Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan Gauhar Usina and Anel Rustemova for this role. - Rostislav Zakharov staged the wonderful ballet «The Fountain of Bakhchisarai» in what was then the Kirov Theatre, and since then it runs non-stop. All of the inherent traditions are handed down very carefully. The outstanding Russian ballerina Tatyana Vecheslova created an exellent image of Zarema and the flawless execution of the scene by Ulanova (Maria) and Vecheslova (Zarema) is a benchmark for young artists today. People’s Artist of the USSR Olga Moiseeva took over the skills from Vecheslova, and, in turn, with thorough explanations and great love gave all the details of this role to me. I have been working on this part with three ballerinas, they are all different, and I like that, – said Altynai Asylmuratiova.

The artists faced various difficulties – not very convenient time signature and many other fine points that need to be constantly monitored in their work on the production. Choreographer noted that the participation of different artists gives the performance a special signature. – For example, one Girey with his unique personality cannot repeat another. Despite the fact that the production is ready, the artists still work on their parts during every rehearsal. The process of character maturing and understanding of the role is constant; it requires endless work, as every time new emotions are brought into it.

To the question of what the production team feels in anticipation of the premiere, they replied by the saying: «The anticipation of the holiday is more important than the holiday itself». – The troupe is in a very good mood before the premiere, because the artists have a special responsibility. Every member of the ballet company believes in himself or herself and everyone is trying to do everything at high quality level. In fact, this emotional upheaval and intensity is the reason everyone is working.