Tashkent to premiere “Caliph-Stork” puppet performance

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A new production titled “Caliph-Stork” will premiere at the Uzbek National Puppet Theatre in Tashkent from 1 June, staged on the initiative of the Uzbekistan Culture and Arts Development Foundation.

The new production, directed by Roman Boklanov and designed by Alina Korytova, offers a modern interpretation of the famous fairy tale by German writer Wilhelm Hauff.

At the center of the story is a ruler seeking to gain freedom and step beyond the limits of his familiar world. However, the path to his dream proves more difficult than expected, and the desire to fly turns into a trial that forces the protagonist to reconsider his own values. The production explores themes of power, responsibility, loneliness, and the search for inner freedom.

The performance combines multiple theatrical forms, blending elements of puppet, drama, physical, and musical theatre. More than 40 characters are brought to life by 16 actors and 5 stage technicians performing on stage.

Special attention is given to the visual design of the production. The performance uses more than 30 puppets of various types, ranging from shadow and tabletop puppets to large realistic constructions, creating a sense of a large-scale stage environment.

The premiere will be one of the first major events in the theatre’s renovated building, where historically significant design elements have been carefully preserved. These include the famous sculptural composition “Fairy-Tale City” by Adelaide Pologova, original cast-iron doors of the main hall, decorative musician figures with karnays, and historic glass light fixtures.

Restoration work has been completed on the theatre’s facade mechanical installation depicting a round dance of fairy-tale characters created by Pavel Shimes, as well as a large mosaic frieze. Work is currently ongoing to restore ceramic fountain figures created by well-known sculptor Yuri Kim.

The main hall seats 280 spectators. The performance is intended for a family audience and is recommended for children aged six and above. The duration is 1 hour and 45 minutes, including an intermission.

Performances of “Caliph-Stork” will take place on 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13 and 14 June at the Uzbek National Puppet Theatre in Tashkent.

The production team includes director Roman Boklanov; designer Alina Korytova; lighting designer Kseniya Kozlova; technical director Sergey Korytov; playwright Klavdiya Gushchina; and composer Alima Bayterekova.