100 years of the Kazakh National Theatre! But some important facts were told to us incorrectly.

For decades, we were told that the history of the theatre began with Mukhtar Auezov’s play “Enlik-Kebek.”

❌ This is not true.

In the article “The Birthday of the State Theatre,” an archival announcement published in January 1926 in the newspaper “Enbekshi Qazaq” is cited:

“On January 13 at 6 p.m., the solemn opening of the State National Theatre will take place. The theatre actors will perform ‘Altyn Saqina’ by Kemengeruly. After that – a concert; during the intermission, an orchestra will play. Theatre Director: Dinshe.”

Another article dated January 24, 1926, authored by S. Saduakasuly, emphasizes:

“On January 13, ‘The Golden Ring’ by Kemengeruly was performed… The evening was dedicated to the opening of the National Theatre.”

Publications and research by Kazakhstani scholars
The inconsistency of the official version was highlighted by Raziya Rustembekova, Beibut Koishybayev, Dikhan Kamzabekuly, Gulzhakhan Orda, and Nurym Sansyzbayev. Their works clearly identify “Altyn Saqina” as the first official production.

Eyewitness testimony and documentary film
Gulnar Dulatova, who attended the performance in 1926, confirmed that the evening was dedicated to the opening of the State National Theatre. This is documented in the film “Köz körgen. Qoshke Kemengeruly” (2002, Khabar TV channel).

Koshmukhambet Kemengeruly is the founder of Kazakh theatre and the first professional Kazakh historian. For many years, his name remained in the shadows. Today, the time has come to tell the truth.

Koshmukhambet Kemengeruly was repressed. His name was erased, and history was rewritten.

We do not diminish Auezov’s contribution.
But history cannot be convenient — it must be honest.

🇰🇿 In the year of the theatre’s 100th anniversary, it is time to name the true author of the first production.