“My Little Poplar in a Red Scarf”

On December 2, the student theater “Biz” at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University premiered the lyrical performance “Qyzyl Oramaldy Shynarym” (“My Little Poplar in a Red Scarf”).

On stage, life unfolded in all its colors: the delicate voice of love, the transparent feeling of longing, and nostalgic emotions were all present. The actors laughed, felt, and breathed alongside the fates of their characters. The cast included: Ilyas — Tanatov Ramazan, Asel — Ersayinova Zhanerke, Baytemir — Sembiev Aybolat, Khadisha — Zhakeshova Meruert, Author — Kenzhegali Omirali, Alibek — Urinbasarov Nurbakh.

The performance reflects timeless questions of life: people are born reckless, live life in confusion, and when reason comes—sometimes it is too late. For an unthoughtful step, one may suffer a lifetime. Why do people fail to value happiness at hand and instead follow others? The plot tells the story of Asel’s pure love, who sacrifices her parents for her beloved, and Ilyas’ lifelong regret for disregarding that love.

Qyzyl Oramaldy Shynarym encourages gratitude for the happiness one has and warns against the lure of fleeting pleasures. As the saying goes, “One does not value the gold at hand.” This renowned story prompts the audience to reflect on life’s true values.

Director Kanat Tiles preserved the ideological core of the story while vividly highlighting themes of love, choice, and human responsibility. The national costumes, accurately reflecting the spirit of the era, were particularly impressive; the styles, fabric textures, and color schemes emphasized the characters’ personalities and created the period atmosphere. Carefully selected props and stage details further enhanced the realism of the performance.

The students’ acting was marked by sincerity and expressiveness, while stage direction and musical design amplified the emotional impact of the play. The premiere of the student theater “Biz” became a significant cultural event, showcasing the creative potential of young artists and proving the relevance of Chingiz Aitmatov’s works for contemporary audiences.