The beginning of December starts off strong with an array of events tailored to every taste. In Astana, the troupe at the Gorky Theater will tackle the life of Aliya Moldagulova, the hero of World War II, narrating the story of a brave soul against the unrelenting machine of destruction. Meanwhile, residents of Almaty will enjoy the geeky meetups and vibes of the annual Almaty Geek Games Expo, along with the opportunity to witness the planet's natural wonders captured in photographs by Taimas Nurtayev.
Discover these and more events in the list by QazMonitor.
Astana
Aliya play
In 1942, seventeen-year-old Aliya Moldagulova abandoned her dream of becoming a pilot to join the trenches of World War II. She enlisted in the Red Army as a sniper, and in August 1943, she found herself at the forefront of the most brutal conflict in the history of humanity. But what defense does one person have against the horrors of war?
NOTE: The play will be staged in Russian.
Date: December 1, 7:00 p.m.
Address: Gorky Russian Drama Theater, Zheltoksan Street 11
Entrance: ₸3,000
The World of Shamshi concert
Although often referred to as the “King of Kazakh waltz,” Shamshi Kaldayakov's true fame stems from his extensive collection of lyrical works, which, once heard, live their own lives. The upcoming concert promises the cherished blend of waltz motifs and steppe songs—tales that were once coming from every household.
Date: December 2, 7:00 p.m.
Address: Kazakhstan Central Concert Hall, Mangilik Yel Avenue 10/1
Entrance: ₸8,000–₸17,000
"Crime and Punishment Motifs in Death Note" lecture by Ekaterina Ovchinnikova
This Sunday, Ekaterina Ovchinnikova will juxtapose the classic of Russian literature with anime, posing a question, “Am I a trembling creature or the god of the new world?” In this exploration, she’ll delve into how the aspiration to wield the power of life and death relates to the concepts of justice, law, and family relations.
NOTE: The lecture will be conducted in Russian.
Date: December 3, 4:00 p.m.
Address: Concept Art lecture hall, Kerey and Zhanibek Khans Street 5, office 23, 2nd floor
Entrance: ₸3,000
Almaty
Almaty Geek Games Expo 2023
The upcoming weekend in the City of Apples promises an electrifying start as the Almaty Geek Games Expo swings open its doors, welcoming geeks of all stripes. Master of the occult John Constantine himself, Matt Ryan, will headline this year's event. Joining the stage are cosplayers, comic book artists, and renowned developers, uniting for an unforgettable experience.
Dates: December 2-3
NOTE: For the full program please refer to the official schedule on the AGGE’s Instagram.
Address: Almaty Geek Games Expo, Timiryazev Street 42, pavilion 9
Entrance: ₸6,000–₸50,000
Khat acoustic evening by Amina Esimzhan
Prepare for an evening of soul-stirring music and powerhouse vocals—a perfect antidote to an elapsed busy week. Join the mesmerizing Amina Esimzhan for an unforgettable musical journey, providing the opportunity to unwind this weekend.
Date: December 3, 8:00 p.m.
Address: Lep club, Gabdulin Street 26B
Entrance: ₸5,000
Ala Art Fair 2023
Ten galleries from Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan will unveil the works of thirty artists from across Central Asia. Ala Art Fair aims to reflect on the common history of the region and showcase its cultural and historical unity through art that transcends borders and distances.
Date: until December 10
Address: Jusan Bank, Al-Farabe Avenue 36, block B
Entrance: Free
Planet Earth: The Beautiful World exhibition by Taimas Nurtayev
After retiring from his job as a construction worker, Taimas Nurtayev pursued his photography hobby, capturing the marvels of nature at a senior age. His travels took him from the Sahara to Greenland and from the Maasai Mara reserve in Kenya, where animals roam freely, to the breathtaking vistas of China.
Date: until December 10
Address: Central State Museum, Microdistrict Samal-1, 44
Entrance: ₸200–₸2,000
