Zholdosh Erkimbaev
In 1972, he joined the Kyrgyz State Puppet Theater.
He performed some of his best roles in many productions, including “Madame Zhanyl”, “Tolubai the Skeptic”, “Er Toshtuk”, “Mankurt”, “The Little Soldier”, and others.
From 1982 to 1989, he took part in tours abroad in Nicaragua, Afghanistan, and Mongolia, and also participated in theater festivals held in Moscow, Almaty, Tashkent, Dushanbe, Kazan, Omsk, Shymkent, and Aktobe.
He played the role of the Storyteller in the children’s TV program “Child – Your Fairy Tale” on KTRK.
In 1999, he was awarded the honorary title of “Honored Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic.”
In 2016, on World Theatre Day (March 27), he received a diploma titled “Inspiration.”
In 2021, he was granted the honorary title of “People’s Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic.”
In 2024, he participated in the International Theater Festival in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran, with the play “Er Toshtuk”, and was awarded an Honorary Certificate.
Rabiga Kachkynova
Theatrical Works
First Category Artist with many years of experience
Honored Artist of the Kyrgyz SSR (since 2000)
At the M. Zhanhaziev State Puppet Theater since 1968.
Theatrical Works
Master of the Stage with many years of experience
At the M. Zhanhaziev State Puppet Theater since 1887
Merry Friends – Dog
The Cunning Cat – Commander
The Grumpy Old Man – Donkey
The Faithful Friend – Bear, Dog
Apata – Postman, Rooster
I Want to Know Everything – Hippopotamus, Lion, Crocodile
Naiman Ene – Zholoman
The Little Soldier – Lame Veteran
Directorial Works
The Faithful Friend – 2010
The Forest Guardian – The Ant – 2023
New Year’s shows in front of the Christmas tree — since … (year)
Roles
Merry Friends – Cat
The Cunning Cat – Old Woman
The Grumpy Old Man – Puppy
The Faithful Friend – Fox
Yegorka the Dreamer – Magpie
Apata – Puppy
I Want to Know Everything – Hippopotamus
Tom Thumb – Crow
The Little Soldier – Grandmother
Nurbubu Musaeva
From 1973 to 1975, she graduated from the Theatre School at the T. Abdumomunov Kyrgyz State Academic Drama Theater. She studied under the distinguished director Boobek Ibraev and outstanding artists Gulshara Dulatova, Galina Ibraeva, Zhumabek Kozukeev, Gulsara Azhibekova, Zhanuzak Moldobaeva, and other masters of their craft.
Since 1976, she has worked at the M. Zhangaziyev Puppet Theater.
From 1982 to 1989, she toured in Nicaragua, Afghanistan, and Mongolia, and participated in theater festivals in Moscow, Almaty, Tashkent, Dushanbe, Kazan, Omsk, Shymkent, and Aktobe.
In 2000, she was awarded the honorary title of “Honored Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic.” In 2010, she was awarded the “Certificate of Honor of the Kyrgyz Republic”;
In 2021, she received the “Excellent Culture” award, and also received various “Diplomas” and “Certificates.”
She wrote scripts for New Year’s and other holiday performances for children at the theater.
In 2010, she wrote the fairy tale “True Friend.”
She has played various roles in about 100 plays and created over 100 character galleries. Among her credits are “Akylkarachach,” “Star Boy,” and “Dzhanyl Myrza” by Zh. Sadykov; “Karagul Botom” by T. Abdumomunov; “Mother-Deer,” “Naiman-Ene” (or “Tomogo”), “Soldier,” and others.
She created various characters and voiced roles in the children’s program “Baby—Your Fairy Tale” on the KTRK channel, and also participated in voiceovers.
In 2024, she took part in the international theatre festival in Tehran, Republic of Iran, with the play “Er Toshtuk” and was awarded a “Certificate”.
Erkin Shikmatova
From 1973 to 1975, she studied at the Theatre Studio at the T. Abdumomunov Kyrgyz State Academic Drama Theatre. Since 1978, she has worked at the Musa Zhangaziyev Kyrgyz State Puppet Theatre. She has already performed hundreds of roles: Karagula in “Karagula”; Yegorka in “Dreamy Yegor”; Grandmother in “Little Boy”; Grandmother in “Soldier Boy”; Alena in “Birthday”; a chicken and a girl in “MaaPaa”; a monkey and a bird in “I Want to Know Everything”; happiness in “Merry Friends”; Grandmother in “Er Toshtuk”; and a crow and a fox in “True Friend,” among other roles.
She also worked for many years on children’s programs on the KTRK television channel.
From 1982 to 1989, she toured in Nicaragua, Afghanistan, and Mongolia, and participated in theater festivals in Moscow, Almaty, Tashkent, Dushanbe, Kazan, Omsk, Shymkent, and Aktobe.
In 2006, she was awarded the “Certificate of Honor of the Kyrgyz Republic.”
In 2009, she was awarded the honorary title of “Honored Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic.”
Ilyich Kasymbekov
Theatre Works: A seasoned stage performer.
At the M. Zhangaziyev State Puppet Theatre since 1887.
Theatrical roles:
“Jolly Friends” – Dog; “Sly Cat” – Commander; “Angry Old Man” – Donkey; “Loyal Friend” – Bear, Dog; “Apata” – Postman, Rooster; “I Want to Know Everything” – Hippopotamus, Lion, Crocodile; “Naiman Ene” – Zholaman; “Little Soldier” – Lame Frontline Soldier
Directing credits: “Loyal Friend” – 2010; “The Guardian of the Forest – Ant”
– 2023; New Year’s tree performances starting in …
Nurgul Kulmanbetova
In 1997, she graduated from the Theater School at the Kyrgyz National Academy of Drama and Television. Her acting director was People’s Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic, Gulayim Kanimetova. Her puppetry director was Honored Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic, Burul Asakeeva.
Since 1997, she has worked at the Kyrgyz State Puppet Theater.
In the children’s television show “Rabayat,” she performed with puppets (a lamb, a kitten, etc.).
From 2007 to 2010, she worked as a dubbing director at the translation studio (state studio) of the Kyrgyz Public Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (OTRK).
From 2009 to 2013, she graduated from the drama directing department of the Beishenalieva Kyrgyz State Institute of Arts. Her supervisors were People’s Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic, Zamir Sooronbaev, and Honored Cultural Figure of the Kyrgyz Republic, Aman Japarov.
In the fourth season of the KTRK children’s television project “Reading Together,” she played a doll in the form of a bee, Bomposh.
Filmography:
She portrayed a stepmother in Zhanysh Kulmambetov’s film “Wild Young Ladies.”
In the film “Moscow Love,” she played a migrant’s wife in a cameo role.
Nurzhan Toychikeeva
From 2012 to 2014, during her first through third years at B. Beishenalieva University, she studied under the direction of Satylgan Sazayev. From her third year until graduation, she studied under the direction of Sairagul Esenbaeva and Bolot Tentimishov. She played Gyulayim in the plays “Er Toshtuk” and Fekla Ivanovna in “Marriage.”
Since 2014, she has worked at the M. Zhangaziyev Puppet Theater. She has appeared in the following plays: “White Ship” (child), “Er Toshtuk” (Kenzhek), “Birthday” (Akylay), “Naiman Ene” (warrior), and “Soldier” (Myky), among others.
In 2024, she was awarded the “Excellent Worker of Culture” badge.
Taalaibek Mukambet uulu
In 2014, he graduated from the Theatre Studio at the Toktobolot Abdymomunov Kyrgyz State Academic Drama Theatre.
In 2015, he began working at the Sharshen Termechikov Satire Theatre. Since 2019, he has worked at the M. Zhangaziyev Kyrgyz State Puppet Theatre. He has played various roles in over a dozen plays: “Birthday” – Sukhrop; “Er Toshtuk” – one of Maamyta; “Hello!” – the old woman and the bird; “The Adventures of Aldar Koso” – Bai and Aldar Koso; “The Little Soldier” – Borosh; “Merry Friends” – a puppy; and others.
Ernis Adylbekov
Theatre Works: Top-category artist
Joined the M. Zhangaziyev State Puppet Theatre since 2014
Theatrical roles:
“Jolly Friends” – Dog
“Angry Old Man” – Donkey
“Loyal Friend” – Bear, Man
“Jolly Traffic Light” – Red Light
“Kar Baldar” – Bear Cub
“Naiman Ene” – Vulture, Warrior
“Kuyruchuk” – Kuyruchuk
“Jolly Vaccine” – Rubella
“Little Soldier” – Toktosun, Little Thumb” – Camel
“Forest Guardian – Ant” – Dan-Dun
“Aldar Kosoo’s Tricks” – Aldar Kosoo
Burulsun Dubanbek kyzy
From 2016 to 2021, she studied in the acting department of the Theater and Cinema Faculty of the B. Beishenalieva Kyrgyz State University of Culture and Arts.
Since 2021, she has worked at the M. Zhangaziyev Kyrgyz State Puppet Theater.
She has appeared in the following productions: A. Temirov’s “Er Toshtuk” as the Witch, “The Ant – Guardian of the Forest” as the Bee, Ch. Aitmatov’s “The Young Soldier” as Zheenguly, “The White Steamship” as Bekey, and L. Moldalieva’s “Aldar Kose” as Karachach, among others.
She actively participates in the community’s cultural events.
Guliza Musabaeva
From 2016 to 2021, she successfully graduated from the B. Beishenalieva Kyrgyz State University of Culture and Arts.
Since 2021, she has worked at the M. Zhangaziyev Puppet Theater. She has appeared in the following productions: A. Temirova’s “Ant – Guardian of the Forest” (Iynelik), “Er Tөштүк” (Kuyun Mamyt), Ch. Aitmatov’s “Soldatyonok” (Zhibek), “Ak Keme” (Old Woman), and others. She has participated in international festivals and was awarded a “Diploma” in Tehran.
Kubanychbek Nurlanbek uulu
From 2018 to 2021, he studied at the theater school at the Kyrgyz National Academic Drama Theater.
Roles played during his student years: Ali Baba in “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves” (1938), Mr. Yat in A.P. Chekhov’s “The Wedding” (1938), and Kamchybek in T. Kasymbekov’s “Kel-Kel” (1938).
From 2021 to 2023, he worked at the Talas Regional Musical Drama Theater named after Medetbekov. Roles played: Kerim in “Jamila” by Chingiz Aitmatov and Bobchinsky in “The Government Inspector” by N.V. Gogol.
From 2023 to 2024, he worked on the Region TV channel.
Since 2025, he has been working at the Kyrgyz State Puppet Theater named after M. Zhangaziyev.
Aytunuk Buchukova
From 2019 to 2024, she studied at the Theater Arts Department of the Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University.
Since 2024, she has worked as an actress at the Musa Zhangaziyev Kyrgyz State Puppet Theater.
She has appeared in A. Temirov’s “Er Toshtuk” (as Kenzheke, 1-Chick, Little Snow Leopard), and Ch. Aitmatov’s “Ak Keme” (as The Girl from the Legend). In New Year’s performances, she has appeared as Emmy Rose, “Sonic and the Christmas Tree Light,” and others.
Eldar Checheybaev
From 2014 to 2019, he graduated from the Theater Department of the Theater and Cinema Faculty of the B. Beishenalieva Kyrgyz State University. His academic direction was Egemberdi Chalabaev.
Plays he performed during his student years included: A. Volodin’s “The Lizard,” Ch. Aitmatov’s “The Young Soldier,” N. Gogol’s “The Government Inspector,” M. Gorky’s “Makar Chudra,” and others.
Since 2022, he has worked at the M. Zhangaziyev State Puppet Theater. Roles created in the theater: A. Temirova’s “Er Toshtuk” – Chalkuyruk, “The Ant – the Forest Guardian” – Sakchy, Zh. Erkimbaev’s “Merry Friends” – Bakyt, A. Bogacheva’s “Traffic Light” – Yellow Sign, G. Vladychina’s “We Want the Price” – Giraffe, etc.
At the Tunguch Youth Theater named after Zh. Seidakmatov, he played V. Shakespeare in “Romeo and Juliet” – Head of the City of Escalus, and Zh. Kulmambetov’s “White Leopard” – Hunter.
Filmography:
“Heritage” – Singer, “Dushka” – Convict.
Saktanbek Manasbek uulu
From 2019 to 2024, he graduated from the Kyrgyz State University of Culture and Arts named after Byubyusara Beishenalieva in the acting department.
Since 2024, he has been working at the Kyrgyz State Puppet Theater named after M. Zhangaziyev. He participated in the puppet theater artists’ laboratory “The Moon is One for All” in Ryazan in 2025.
Jarkynbai Sadykbek uulu
From 2016 to 2021, he graduated from the Kyrgyz National University of Culture and Arts named after B. Beishenalieva, majoring in drama theater and cinema, and is also a lecturer in the Theater and Cinema department.
Since 2024, he has been working at the Kyrgyz State Puppet Theater named after M. Zhangaziyev.
Works in the following productions: “The Little Prince” – a careerist and a maker of light.
Filmography:
“Zhenizhok” – Herald,
“Legend” – a military leader,
“Sons of Heaven” – a warrior.
Valentina Annikova
Theatre Works
Actress, director, and teacher of the highest category with many years of experience. She has been awarded the title “Honored Artist of the Kyrgyz SSR” since 1983 and the title “People’s Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic” since 2022.
She has worked at the M. Zhangaziyev State Puppet Theater since 1973.
Roles in performances:
“The Snow Queen” – Kai; “Buratino” – Buratino; “Little Red Riding Hood” – Little Red Riding Hood; “The Rhinoceros and the Giraffe” – Giraffe; “The Scarlet Flower” – Alyonushka; “The Baby Elephant” – Baby Elephant; “The Adventures of the Ostrich” – Baby Ostrich; “Bird’s Milk” – Masha, Elena Akylduu, Shaitanchik; “Egorka the Dreamer” – Yegorka; “The Forest Clock” – Hare; “The Rogue Fox” – Fox, etc.
Directing credits:
“Uncle Ferda” 1993; “The Hunter from Talas” 1993; “Adventures in the Forest” 1994; “The Magic Bucket” 2009 “Happiness for All!” 2010. “This Can’t Be?!” 2014. “The Tale of Tsar Saltan” by A.S. Pushkin 2023.
Lyudmila Gorokhova
Theatre Works
Highest Category Artist. Joined the M. Zhangaziyev State Puppet Theater since 2014.
Roles in the following performances:
“The Scarlet Flower” – Alyonushka; “Dori-Dori Captain” – Captain; “Aladdin’s Magic Lamp” – Princess Budur; “Star Boy” – Boy; “The Little Mermaid” – Horse; “The Rogue Fox” – Hare; “Kytsyk-Mytsyk” – Marina; “The Merry Traffic Light” – Girl, Kulan; “Hello” – Piglet; “Puss in Boots” – Hare; “The Grateful Crane” – Unzu; “Masha and the Bear” – Grandmother, Hare
Sharapat Kadyralieva
In 1995, she graduated from the B. Beishenaliyev Kyrgyz State Institute of Arts and began working as an actress at the M. Ryskulov Naryn Musical Drama Theater. She performed in plays such as “Kurmanzhan Datka,” “Tenirim Manas,” “Unutulgus Kundör,” and “Zhylaandar Khanyshasy,” among others.
She participated in all concerts as a soloist with the national orchestra and as a komuzist.
Since 2007, she has worked as an artist at the M. Zhangaziyev Kyrgyz State Puppet Theater. She has staged New Year’s performances for children and holiday-themed shows.
She has participated in international festivals in Kazan, Ashgabat, Aktobe, Almaty, and Moscow (Grand Prix) with the play “Tomogo.”
She has performed in various roles in the plays “Teremok,” “Yegorka the Dreamer,” “This Can’t Be,” “The Adventures of the Little Hare,” “Sunny Bunny,” “Aladdin’s Magic Lamp,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “The Tale of Tsar Saltan,” and many others.
Since 2024, she has been Assistant Artistic Director of the theater’s Russian group.
Yryskeldi Zhakypbekov
From 2013 to 2018, he studied at B. Beishenalieva University, majoring in drama and film acting and teaching. He studied under the direction of People’s Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic A. Abdykalykov, B. Tentimishev, and S. Esenbaev. During his student years, he performed in plays such as “Uylönüü,” “Skapendin zhoruktary,” and “Kyz küyöö.”
From 2016 to 2018, he worked at the Chingiz Aitmatov National Russian Drama Theater.
Since 2019, he has worked at the M. Zhangaziyev Puppet Theater.
Works in the following productions:
“Traffic Light,” “Puss in Boots,” “Sunny Bunny,” “Hello,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Masha + Misha,” “This Can’t Be,” “The Tale of Tsar Saltan,” “Wanderer Kranz,” “Pure Universe,” and others.
Directing credits:
“Pure Universe,” “The Magic Clock of Jafar.”
Aizharkyn Duishembieva
In 2016, she graduated from the Byubyusara Beishenalieva Kyrgyz State University of Culture and Arts.
Since 2016, she has been working at the Musa Zhangaziyev Kyrgyz State Puppet Theater.
She has appeared in the following productions: “The Grateful Crane,” “Puss in Boots,” “The Little Fox Cub,” “Tsar Saltan,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Kuyruchuk,” “Hello!”, “Sunny Bunny,” and others.
She plays the role of Raven, a living figure, in the play “Snowmen.”
She most recently participated in a master class with South Korean director Yu Dong, where the puppeteer director brought a paper puppet character to life.
Samat Kadyraly uulu
In 2021, he graduated from the Puppet Acting Department of the B. Beishenalieva Kyrgyz State Medical University.
Since 2022, he has worked at the Naryn Regional Musical Drama Theater, where he created roles in the plays “Clash of the Nomads” and “Fairy Tale.”
Since 2024, he has worked at the M. Zhangaziyev Kyrgyz State Puppet Theater.
He has performed in the following plays:
“Snowmen,” “Krantz the Wanderer,” “Puss in Boots,” “Alice in Wonderland,” and “The Little Prince.”
Dastan Eshimbekov
He graduated from the Kazan State University of Cinematography (KSUIC) in 2018. In his second year, he received an award for Best Actor in the play “Marriage.” He was directed by Honored Artist of the Kyrgyz Republic Bolot Tentimishov and Saira Esenbaeva. He worked at the private theater “Melnitsa” for two years.
Since 2020, he has been working at the Kazan State Theatre named after M. Zhangaziyev.
Plays performed:
“Sunny Bunny,” “Traffic Light,” “The Tale of Tsar Saltan,” “Wanderer Kranz,” “The Little Prince,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Dwarf Nose,” and others.
Filmography:
TV series “Choochun Kishi” – Lawyer.
Eleman Abakirov
In 2019, he graduated from the B. Beishenalieva Kazan State University of Culture and Arts (KSUCA) under the direction of Egemberdi Chalabaev.
Since 2023, he has been working at the M. Zhangaziyev Kazan State Theatre Complex.
Worked in the following productions:
“Don’t Fly Away,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Krantz the Wanderer,” “The Little Prince,” “Puss in Boots,” “Traffic Light,” and others.
Filmography:
“The Policeman Marat,” “Zhalgyz,” “Chochun Kishi.”
Gulzana Erkimbaeva
In 1997, she graduated from the M. Kurenkeev Music College (Choir Conducting Department).
In 2007, she graduated from the MAUPFiB Higher Educational Institution (major in Organization Management).
Since 2008, she has worked at the M. Zhangaziyev State Puppet Theater.
She has performed in the following productions:
“And the Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years” based on the novel by Chingiz Aitmatov (Naiman Ene), “Alice in Wonderland” (Alice), “The Tale of Tsar Saltan” (Tsarina), “The Wanderer Kranz” (Princess), “Puss in Boots” (Princess), “The Little Prince” (Rose), “The Grateful Crane” (Geisha, Crane, Death), and more than a dozen other roles.
Mairam Momuntaeva
Mairam Momuntaeva graduated from the Theater and Cinema Department of the B. Beishenalieva Kyrgyz State University of Culture and Arts with a degree in Puppet Theater Acting in 2021.
In December 2022, she was hired by the M. Zhangaziyev Kyrgyz State Puppet Theater.
During her time at the theater, she created a number of vibrant stage roles. Her roles include:
Mytsik – “Cats and Mice”
Sunny Bunny – “Sunny Bunny”
Cook – “The Tale of Tsar Saltan”
Rose – “Alice in Wonderland”
Knight – “Wanderer Kranz”
Snake, Rose, and Drunkard – “The Little Prince”
Cook – “Dwarf Nose” and other roles in the theater’s repertoire.
In addition to her theatrical work, she voiced characters in the Turkish TV series “Hekimoglu”.
Karine Sargsyan
In 2010, she graduated from the Theater Studio at the Chingiz Aitmatov State National Russian Drama Theater (under the direction of E.B. Ibragimova). That year, she began working at the M. Zhangaziyev Kyrgyz State Puppet Theater. She performed in plays such as “Egorka the Dreamer,” “Happiness for Everyone,” and others, but left after a year.
Since 2024, she has officially returned to the M. Zhangaziyev Puppet Theater. She has performed in plays such as “The Little Prince,” “Puss in Boots,” “Alice in Wonderland,” “Pure Universe,” “Hello!”, “Snowmen,” “The Adventures of the Little Hare,” “Wanderer Kranz,” “Dwarf Nose,” and all holiday show programs.
Instagram: @karinasarkisyan_witch
Anastasia Karelina
In 1997, she graduated from the SMAI (Acting Studio-Workshop) under the direction of G. D. Kirillov, specializing in drama and film acting.
That same year, she graduated from the KRSU (Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University) with a bachelor’s degree in philology.
She worked at the MST (Youth Slavic Theater).
From 1998 to 2001, she worked on the “Good Morning” program on Channel One of the Russian Federation.
From 2001 to 2002, she worked at Internews in the Kyrgyz Republic.
She also worked at Vecherniy Bishkek Publishing House (as a cultural and arts columnist) and for the website vb.kg.
She is a winner of the First Republican Competition for Young Playwrights, held by the Swiss Cooperation Office and the Akayin Foundation. The jury recognized her works “The Third Bench to the Left of the Entrance…” and “A Snow Tale of Happiness.”
Since 2023, she has been working in the Russian group of the Musa Zhangaziyev Kyrgyz State Puppet Theater.
In the musical “Alice in Wonderland,” she created a vivid image of Aunt Caterpillar, and in the philosophical fairy tale “The Little Prince,” she portrayed the airport administrator.
She is currently involved in the following productions:
“Don’t Fly Away!” (snowman “live shot”), “Traffic Light” (mother, teacher, zebra), “The Tale of Tsar Saltan” (the Swan Princess), “Alice in Wonderland” (Aunt Caterpillar “live shot”, crowd scenes), “Puss in Boots” (princess), “Snowmen” (snowman-girl), “Wanderer Kranz” (robber, knight of the White Daisy Castle), “The Little Prince” (airport administrator, drunkard, dancer, crowd scenes), etc.