Back to category Published: 19 april 2023 Author: Zhanna Mukhatzhanova

ARTiSHOCK Theatre

 

ARTiSHOCK is a pioneering experimental theatre group in Kazakhstan that has been operating since 2001. It was established by a group of professional actors and directors who decided to move on from state-funded theatres and create something new. The theatre, which is often referred to as «Culture Shock Theatre», has been making waves with its unique approach to theatre.

Galina Pyanova, Dmitry Skirta, and Veronika Nasalskaya, along with other founders, introduced a new direction for theatre in Kazakhstan by incorporating «street theatre» and «improvisation». This new form of theatrical movement was an instant hit, and within six months of its inception, a businessman generously funded the actors to purchase a room in the basement of a residential building. This space became known as the Small Stage and was the birthplace of the theatre.

The breakthrough performances of the early years, such as «Back in the USSR», «Gagarin», and «Clowns», brought fame to the theatre, and soon after, ARTiSHOCK began participating in festivals across the world. The group has performed in Finland, Romania, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Armenia, Germany, Denmark, and the UK.

As time went by, the theatre troupe was replenished with new artists, and old actors left. In 2017, the theatre established a Big Stage in the Park of 28 Panfilov Guardsmen, which can accommodate 150-160 people. The money for this project was raised through crowdfunding.

In addition to performances, ARTiSHOCK hosts various public events, including forums, poetry evenings, masterclasses, and other cultural activities.

How to get there?

Address: Almaty, 49 Kunayev St. (Small Stage), 40 Gogol St. (Big Stage)

You can get to the Small Stage of ARTiSHOCK by buses #13, 17, 42, 63, 112, and 117. Buses #13, 16, 22, 66, 126, 129 and trolleybuses #1, 9, 11, 12, 19 will take you to the Big Stage. Zhibek Zholy subway station is situated 600 meters (656 yards) away from the Small Stage, and the distance between the two stages is a convenient 10-minute walk.

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