The Astana Opera will celebrate Motherland Defenders’ Day with performances of the heroic ballet Spartacus by the eminent composer Aram Khachaturian. This monumental ballet, staged by the late choreographic legend Yuri Grigorovich, will be performed at the opera house’s Grand Hall on 6 and 7 May. The production explores the themes of the fight for freedom, the code of honour, and the unbreakable strength of the human spirit.
Residents and guests of the capital will witness the tragic story of the gladiator uprising in Ancient Rome: an uncompromising clash between the polar worldviews of two powerful personalities – the noble Spartacus and the ruthless Roman commander, Crassus. The production is unique in making the male corps de ballet an equal protagonist in the narrative. Yuri Grigorovich’s version, featuring the conceptual designs of the renowned Simon Virsaladze, is rightfully considered the pinnacle of male classical dance. Its 2014 premiere at the Astana Opera confirmed the company’s ability to master the most demanding challenges of the global repertoire. This mastery has been further proven by the production’s immense success during tours to Almaty, as well as Genoa, Rome (Italy), and Ljubljana (Slovenia). This dramatic tale of courage – manifested not only in battle but in steadfast loyalty to one’s ideals – is a fitting artistic tribute to Motherland Defenders’ Day.
For any principal of international renown, performing Spartacus in this production represents the pinnacle of professional prestige. Every leap and gesture conveys the fury, suffering, and courage of a hero who remains defiant to the last. Notably, the artistic evolution of Astana Opera’s principal dancer, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan, Bakhtiyar Adamzhan, is inextricably linked to this ballet. Through this role, he has matured from a promising young dancer into one of the most electrifying interpreters of Spartacus on the modern stage.
“My career as a principal truly began with this production. At the time, I was still in the corps de ballet, yet I was entrusted with such a demanding role. It was a formidable challenge; I knew that succeeding here would be a transformative leap for my professional growth. Working on Spartacus provided profound moral and ethical lessons, leading to a complete shift in my worldview. The production demands that you constantly push past your own limits. It is precisely through this inner struggle, in those moments of overcoming, that true artistic maturity is forged. After Spartacus, every other ballet feels far more manageable,” said Bakhtiyar Adamzhan.
The role of the gladiator leader is perfectly suited to the principal dancer’s own temperament; his inner energy, willpower, and natural charisma resonate deeply with the character. “This protagonist has always felt close to me. I was never afraid to take responsibility, and I showed leadership qualities even at ballet school. Naturally, I bring my own nuances to the interpretation, but in spirit, Spartacus is entirely relatable. Historically, the Kazakh people are incredibly spirited and freedom-loving; the word ‘Kazakh’ itself means ‘free’. This innate love for space and liberty is in our blood – on stage, you simply have to let it show,” Bakhtiyar Adamzhan adds. “Over the years, I have come to feel the part more keenly, discovering greater contrasts. Unlike many classical ballet heroes who remain static throughout the story, Spartacus demands a profound internal evolution. We portray his journey from a slave to a rebel leader and, ultimately, to his death. Each act requires a different psychophysical state; everything changes, from your gaze to your gestures, which become more abrupt and strained toward the finale. It is impossible to sustain this level of performance without peak physical fitness. Here you must approach the work like an athlete: if you aren’t physically prepared for the load, you are merely fighting for survival – and at that point, any hope of crafting a powerful character is out of the question.”
Bakhtiyar Adamzhan emphasizes that there are brilliant casts for the roles of Crassus, Aegina, and Phrygia at the Astana Opera. Kazakh audience has a deep affinity for this ballet; the production consistently plays to full houses, a testament to its enduring appeal. “Our company is fortunate that Spartacus entered the repertoire during our formative years, as an entire generation of dancers has been shaped by it. Our male dancers perform this production beautifully; they feel its depth keenly and take great joy in it,” noted Adamzhan.
The Astana Opera’s principal dancers will take on the leading roles during the festive performances. The title role of Spartacus will be presented by Bakhtiyar Adamzhan and Serik Nakyspekov. The tragic Phrygia, Spartacus’ devoted companion, will be portrayed by Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Madina Unerbayeva and Shugyla Adepkhan. Meanwhile, the manipulative and powerful Aegina will be brought to life by Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Aigerim Beketayeva, appearing alongside Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Arman Urazov as the Roman dictator Crassus. These roles are also being prepared by Sofiya Adilkhanova and Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan Yerkin Rakhmatullayev. The artistic director of the Astana Opera Ballet is People’s Artist of Russia, Altynai Asylmuratova. The production features the Astana Opera Ballet, Orchestra, female chorus, and supernumeraries, performing under the baton of Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan, Yerbolat Akhmedyarov.
World ballet star Bakhtiyar Adamzhan notes that the warrior characters in Spartacus resonate deeply with Kazakh national identity. “The production draws dancers in with its colossal energy; the music and choreography possess a charge that affects everyone, whether they are performing a legionary or a gladiator. In those moments, the inner child who once played at being a batyr awakens in every man. Here, that instinct is channelled consciously through demanding choreography, but the essence remains the same. The spirit of the nomad, the warrior, and the horseman lives on in all of us – the spirit of those who could strike a bird in flight with an arrow and sit with confidence in the saddle. Such vast territories are not inherited by chance, and that memory is woven into our DNA. Kazakhstan is the ninth-largest country in the world by area, and as long as its people carry this courageous spirit – reflected even in the art of ballet – the nation will remain free and independent,” the principal dancer believes. “My colleagues at the Astana Opera Ballet are among the strongest in spirit. Our physical workload is comparable to professional sport – and at times, even surpasses it. Despite the daily struggle with pain and exhaustion, we find the resolve to return to the rehearsal studio day after day.”
The Astana Opera principal dancer extended his congratulations to the people of Kazakhstan on Motherland Defenders’ Day. “7 May is a special date for the entire country. I am convinced that one can defend their country with more than just a weapon in hand; we do so through art, the development of culture, and enlightenment. By performing on the world’s leading stages, we introduce Kazakh culture to the global community and proudly raise our national flag. First and foremost, I would like to congratulate my colleagues at the Astana Opera – everyone who works to keep the opera house a warm and welcoming place, from the performers and administration to the technical teams and the cleaning staff, whose daily dedication ensures our collective work runs smoothly. I also congratulate our entire nation. Today, as the world faces unpredictable and unsettling events, it is vital that we remain united. We must understand and accept one another, standing together to defend our rights and interests as we move forward as a strong nation that sets an example for the world. Motherland Defenders’ Day is not exclusively a men’s holiday. It is also celebrated by many outstanding women, and indeed by everyone who demonstrates their devotion to their country. This is a day for us all, and I wish everyone peace and prosperity,” concluded Bakhtiyar Adamzhan.
Performances begin at 7 pm on 6 May, and at 5 pm on 7 May.
