In the capital of our country, there are many organizations that have not only witnessed the formation of independence and the construction of its symbol – the city of Nur-Sultan, but also experienced many other periods. One of the oldest theaters in Kazakhstan – the State Academic Russian Drama Theater named after M. Gorky in Nur-Sultan was created at the end of the XIX century, and, for the second century, the ability to hear and express time and appreciate the truth, won the staunch loyalty of the audience.
In 1899, “according to the statement of fans of dramatic art”, the first foundation of the present capital Russian drama theater was laid in the city of Akmolinsk. In the first years of Soviet power (1920-1930), it gained its power and strength, but only in 1939, the theater was given its building, in which it is located to this day.
The theater did not stop its work during the Great Patriotic War. In 1943, the Kazakh branch began its work. The first productions of this period were: “Zharys” (“Competition») based on the play by G. Mustafin, then followed “Kozy-Korpesh and Bayan Sulu”, “Aldar Kose” and others. And in 1959, the theater was named after the writer Maxim Gorky.
In the 60s, the theater is experiencing its creative rise. The play “Saken Seifullin” based on the play by S. Mukanov, first staged in Russian, was awarded a Diploma of the 1st degree at the Republican Review.
The 1970s and 1980s were full of creative success. The performances “Valentine and Valentine” by M. Roshchin, “Blue Deer” by A. Kolomiyts, “Mother Courage and her Children” by B. Brecht, “Give Way to Tomorrow” by V. Delmar and many others were especially popular among the townspeople.
The 1990s were one of the most difficult and successful years for the Gorky residents. Despite the difficult financial situation, the theater triumphantly performs plays of national drama: “Genghis Khan” by I. Orazbayev (1992),” I saw the Light Early in search of truth ” based on the novel “The Way of Abai” by M. Auezov staged by the legendary Azerbaijani Mambetov (1995), “Khan Kene” by M. Auezov (1997). At the same time, performances are thundering around the country: “Boris Godunov” by A. Pushkin and “Demons” by F. Dostoevsky.
Russian Russian Theater in Moscow In 2007, the Moscow Gorky Theater joined the Association of Russian Theaters, created on the initiative of the Center for Support of Russian Theaters Abroad under the Union of Theater Workers of the Russian Federation in Moscow.
The group tours with great success in many cities of Kazakhstan and Russia, as well as participates in prestigious domestic and foreign theater festivals.
In 2016, he received the gratitude of the President of the Russian Federation for his contribution to the preservation and popularization of Russian culture in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Today’s theater team is one big and friendly family. Not the least role in creating favorable working conditions and a psychological working climate is created by the theater trade union, whose leader in recent years is Denis Annikov, one of the favorite and popular theater actors since 2003. Actor of the
highest category. He has a wonderful stage voice and external data. He is a regular host of city events and celebrations. Works on the capital’s radio and television.
In 2009, he was awarded the prize of the Astana City Department of Culture in the nomination “For the Best Supporting Actor” in A. Tsagareli’s play “Khanuma” (for the role of Hakob). In 2011, the actor was awarded a Diploma-Award for “Best Supporting Actor” at the I Festival of National Theaters of the Republic of Kazakhstan (for the role of Tursun’s son-in-law in A. Orazbekov’s play “The Lonely Apple Tree”).
D. Annikov has a Certificate of Honor from the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Institute of State History, a letter of Thanks from the Deputy Mayor of Astana and is the holder of the honorary title “Yeren enbegi ush’in”. The actor is a member of the Union of Theatrical Figures of Kazakhstan.
Talented, but at the same time very modest, he enjoys well-deserved respect among colleagues, for whom the trade union committee stands by the mountain, trying to provide everything necessary. And this is not only awards and gifts for holidays and anniversaries. Caring for everyone is the main motto of the trade union committee. And this is the provision of social and material assistance, the ability to listen and find solutions not only in professional, but also in personal matters. After all, artists, as creative people, are very delicate and vulnerable natures.
Therefore, the spirit of collectivism reigns here. And even during the pandemic, when direct communication with the audience was interrupted, which is most important for the actors, the team did not lose heart and continued its activities in the online format and the preparation of new performances.
At the same time, it is worth noting the active participation in the life of the Branch Trade Union, through which many topical issues on labor and social security of theater employees are raised.
There was a period when there was no trade union at all in the theater. In the difficult 90s, its significance and power were lost. But with the onset of the 2000s, the realization came that the trade union is exactly the organization that not only protects, provides assistance, but also really unites. Therefore, to date, the coverage of trade union membership has reached 80 %.
Now the theater’s repertoire includes more than 20 performances based on the works of domestic and world drama, representing a wide range of genres and aesthetic trends that are interesting to viewers of all age categories. An obligatory tradition of the theater was the education of its audience from the very young years. So, for young art lovers, there are 12 musical fairy tales in the repertoire.
Today, the Russian drama is headed by the director and artistic director of “Kazakstannyn enbek sinirgen kairatkeri”, “Madeniyet kairatkeri” of the Republic of Kazakhstan Yerkin Kasenov, the chief director of the Honored Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan Bekpulat Parmanov and the chief artist of “Madeniyet Kairatkeri” of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kanat Maksutov.
During his 122 years, good luck was replaced by victories, difficulties were always followed by new changes. The charm of gambling and clever games, light and expressive conventions, inexhaustible creative energy and, of course, selfless devotion to art-captivated the citizens, making the theater a real holiday.