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Kazakh theater director Gulnaz Balpeisova has shared insights into her creative journey, addressing the harsh realities and ethical considerations within the performing arts, and emphasizing the crucial role of working with adolescents.

Balpeisova views theater not merely as an art form, but as a complex process that allows for the exploration and revelation of the human inner world.

From Art Aspirations to Directing

Initially, Balpeisova dreamed of becoming a visual artist, then a fashion designer. However, after pursuing her education in St. Petersburg and Moscow, she shifted her focus to directing. Today, she is an accomplished professional with over 20 productions to her name.

Her first significant encounter with theater was at the age of five, during her father's funeral. She perceived the event, with its intricate roles, rituals, and emotions, as a grand theatrical performance.

Navigating Cruelty and Honesty in Theater

The director admitted to facing pressure from demanding mentors and enduring difficult experiences early in her career. While these experiences contributed to her development, she acknowledged they were sometimes damaging.

Balpeisova noted that while she might employ stern methods when working with adults, she places paramount importance on honesty when collaborating with teenagers. She believes that children and adolescents possess an innate ability to detect insincerity.

The State of Theater in Kazakhstan

Balpeisova highlighted the abundance of talented actors in Kazakhstan but pointed to a lack of systematic management and robust technical infrastructure in theaters. This deficiency, she argues, hinders the full potential of gifted individuals.

She likened the current operational style of many theaters to a "kitchen to kitchen" approach, which negatively impacts overall quality.

Inclusivity and Adolescent Themes Take Center Stage

This year in Astana, Balpeisova staged "What is Love?" by U. Gibson, featuring an actress with hearing impairments, Gulnara Yesentaeva, in the lead role. This casting was not a marketing ploy or an act of pity, but a deliberate effort to tell an authentic story and place the actress on an equal professional footing with her peers.

Another production, "Is There an Answer?", delves into the struggles of adolescents, including pressure, bullying, parental divorce, inner turmoil, and the search for self-identity.

Balpeisova observed that adults often struggle to communicate effectively with teenagers, frequently imposing their own narratives rather than actively listening and providing space for expression.

She crafted the play's language to resonate with young people, considering their vernacular, lifestyles, and engagement with social media and screens. Her aim was to bring the realities of adolescent life to the stage, allowing them to speak in their own authentic voice.

Future Aspirations

The director aspires to establish her own theater troupe. She fondly recalled the unique joy of assembling and working with her own cast during the development of two of her plays, describing a sense of deep understanding and collaborative synergy among them.

Furthermore, Balpeisova emphasized the significance of preserving family traditions. She drew a parallel to past generations who would erect yurts and gather with family, noting that it is now her generation's turn to continue these customs.