Ballet "Selkinchek"
The production of "Anar" marked the beginning of the creation of the national ballet. However, the first national performance revealed the need for further professionalization and mastery of the sophisticated forms of ballet art.
To this end, a number of productions of classical and Soviet ballets were carried out: "Coppélia" by A. Delibes (1940), "Laurencia" by A. Krein (1941), "The Magic Flute" by R. Drigo (1943). At the same time, intense creative work was underway in the theater to create a national repertoire. In a short time, original opera productions were realized, including "Toktogul" by A. Veprik and A. Maldybaev, "For the Happiness of the People" by V. Vlasov and V. Fere, "Patriots" by V. Vlasov, A. Maldybaev, V. Fere, and "Kokul" by M. Raukhverger. On February 6, 1943, the premiere of the one-act ballet "Selkinchek" by V. Vlasov and V. Fere took place.
"Selkinchek" did not have a distinctly expressed plot line. Of course, it was difficult to demand an elaborate plot intrigue from a small one-act work. Although it was outlined rather sketchily, it determined the development of the action.
Here is the content of the ballet "Selkinchek".
On a clear, fine day on the outskirts of the aiyl, the youth gathered by the swings. At those very swings, where, as sung in the folk song, they swung so high that it took their breath away, flying "up without breathing" and "down without breathing".
The youth start playing games, and the young men try to show themselves in the best light to impress the girls.
The girls, on the other hand, remain shy and timid.
Choreographers V. Kozlov and L. Kramarevsky thoroughly studied Kyrgyz games, as indicated by the author of the libretto K. Djantoshev. Around the swings, one game replaces another. The audience recognizes the folk games "Shabiet" and "Karkyra-turuna". Some games received such artistic treatment that they turned into theatrical performances, such as the spirited dance "El chabar" and the women's dance "Chaykalma".
The action is accompanied by melodies of well-known folk musical pieces by Toktogul, Murataly Kurunkeev, Karamoldo Orozov, Sharshe Temechikov. They feature motifs of love and humorous songs.
Among the characters of "Selkinchek," one pair stands out — Zainura and Sapар (performed by B. Beyshenalieva and R. Urazbaev). Their relationship breathes the freshness of awakening tenderness, conveying the romance of first love. There is also another girl (her role was played by D. Arsygulova), who liked Saiar. Unlike Zainura, she is not shy and tries to separate Sapар from Zainura. But Sapар's affections lie with Zainura.
The climax of the action is the arrival of a messenger with news of the beginning of the war. The moment of farewell between the young men and the girls is touching. Sapар says goodbye to Zainura. The patriotic nature of the finale corresponds to the time of the Great Patriotic War.
Although the one-act "Selkinchek" was generally a standalone work, the composers conceived it as a supplement to their (written in collaboration with A. Maldybaev) two-act opera "Patriots," which had been performed in the theater since November 1941. "Selkinchek" was meant to conclude the opera as a third act. Subsequently, the opera "Patriots" and the ballet "Selkinchek" were performed together in one evening, forming a unified performance.
The significance of the opera "Patriots" and the ballet "Selkinchek" was determined by the relevance of their themes. However, both of these works did not remain in the theater's repertoire, as they lacked significant artistic merits. As for the ballet, it essentially represented not a dance performance but a playful, divertissement show.
The choreography did not receive sufficient development here, and as a result, its viability proved inadequate.
"Selkinchek" should be considered a link between "Anar" and the next, landmark work of the theater — the ballet "Cholpon" by M. Raukhverger.
Ballet "Anar" in the history of Kyrgyz theater