The embodiment of Beishenalieva and Chokoeva in the role of Aydai
Despite the many years since the first performance of "Cholpon," the same performers have continued to appear until recently — B. Beishenalieva, Ch. Dzhamanova, A. Khandranova, and the performer of the role of Nurdin, N. Tugelov, is now one of the directors of the production.
Currently, new performers have emerged. Particularly noteworthy was the performance in the title role by Reina Chokoeva — a graduate of the Leningrad Choreographic School. This was her first major role, a debut on the stage of the Kyrgyz State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater.
The integrity of her nature, determination, and devotion are the main qualities of Cholpon-Chokoeva. However, these qualities are combined with softness and tenderness, which contribute to the creation of the graceful lines that characterize R. Chokoeva's dance. In this richness of femininity lies the source of the charm that captivated Nurdin's heart. In the light and plastic dance of R. Chokoeva, we feel harmony and a sensitive perception of musical rhythms.
To convey the fullness of feelings, R. Chokoeva does not resort to sweeping gestures or wide jumps.
On the contrary, she maintains a modest softness of movements, almost shyness. But how she transforms when it is necessary to show determination in the struggle for her happiness. Calmness leaves the actress, and she exhibits speed and temperament — qualities essential for portraying the struggle that Cholpon enters.
Indeed, Reina Chokoeva is more attuned to lyricism. This is clearly seen where lyricism intersects with epic elements.
Nevertheless, her heroine is not one-dimensional in expressing feelings and successfully combines lyrical and epic elements.
The role of Aydai has been magnificently embodied by Bibisara Beishenalieva. This role contains significant difficulties primarily because it requires the ballerina's skill in transformation. Indeed, the old woman, dressed in rags, with disheveled gray hair, a heavy limping gait, and a burning malevolent gaze, transforms almost into a spiritual being, where every movement is pure grace, and her smile is enchanting. And this transformation occurs before the eyes of the audience. At first, it is hard to believe in such a marvelous transformation. Bibisara Beishenalieva masterfully possesses this art.
Here she appears in the palace of Temir-Khan — elegant, like a breath of gentle wind. And then the blood in young Nurdin begins to boil. The enchantress draws him in with her divine beauty, and he agrees to marry her. There is nothing intrusive in this scene. Everything is extremely meaningful and reasonable.
The strength of the image created by B. Beishenalieva lies in the fact that two faces coexist simultaneously in the appearance of Aydai. Even at the moment when she seeks to express a deeply tender feeling, something demonic occasionally flashes within her. But this happens in an instant. Nurdin notices nothing and continues to admire her tender gracefulness.
The final scene reaches a special tension, which B. Beishenalieva conducts with genuine brilliance. In her palace, Aydai enjoys Nurdin's love. Her movements are unhurried and majestic. Her hands are particularly expressive. They are like two wings, seemingly inviting to soar after them into the heavenly blue. Nothing disrupts the peace and tranquility of the magical beauty.
Suddenly, everything changes. Cholpon bursts into the palace. How dramatically Aydai's outward appearance changes! She spins in a furious whirlwind, full of determination to destroy her rival. But although her resolve is relentless, and her anger grows, her strength weakens. Her face is no longer the same. A wicked grimace has distorted it. And her hands are not the same. With thin, twisted fingers, she seems to struggle to seize her victim. But then she feels her strength gradually leaving her, her former power withering away...
Observing Aydai's relentless struggle for the right to possess Nurdin, we delve into the depths of her soul, where both earthly love and femininity had lain dormant until now. The encounter with Nurdin awakened in her an ordinary earthly woman, earthly feelings overwhelm her, and she fights for them actively, with all the passion she can muster.
Now the power of Aydai over the inhabitants of the magical kingdom becomes clear. She seems to rise above them, above their limitations and insensitivity, although she herself finds herself powerless in the face of the pure, chaste feeling embodied by Cholpon.
The third version of the ballet "Cholpon"