Historically, the theatrical art of Kyrgyzstan has been closely intertwined with folk ritual culture, including the creativity of akyns-improvisers, storytellers-manaschy, kuuduls (folk comedians), and so on.
In their performances, elements of acting (including movement, gestures, voice, and intonation) were already present. During various celebrations, the poetic competitions of akyns (aytysh) and performances of witty comedians were mixed with musical numbers. All of this together could be called the first folk theaters of Kyrgyzstan.
Before the October Revolution, there were no professional theaters and concert halls in Kyrgyzstan in the context that we know them today. However, the great popularity of folk creativity, including the storytellers of the epic "Manas," komuz players, kyiyaki players, akyns-improvisers, and kuuduls, created the need for their establishment.
Currently, the following institutions operate in Bishkek: the A. Maldybaev Kyrgyz National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet, the T. Abdumomunov State National Academic Drama Theater, the N. Krupskaya State Academic Russian Drama Theater, the State Theater for Young Spectators, the Kyrgyz State Circus, the Bishkek City Drama Theater, the Republican Puppet Theater, and the T. Satylganov Kyrgyz State Philharmonic.
At the Philharmonic building, there are two concert halls where concerts of classical, traditional Kyrgyz, and popular music take place, including various show programs featuring local and visiting stars of the show business.
Addresses of Theaters and Concert Halls in Bishkek
A. Maldybaev Kyrgyz National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet
167 Abdyrahmanov St.; tel. (0312) 66-18-41
T. Abdumomunov State National Academic Drama Theater
273 Panfilov St., behind the government building; tel. 66-58-02, 21-69-58
N. Krupskaya State Academic Russian Drama Theater
122 Tynystanova St., Dubovy Park; tel. 66-20-32, 62-15-71
Kyrgyz State Theater for Young Spectators named after Baken Kadykeev
230 Abdrahmanov St.; tel. +996 312 27-05-69
Kyrgyz State Circus
119 Jumabek St.; tel. +996 (312) 28-16-31
Bishkek City Drama Theater
242 Ogonbaev St.; tel. 66-54-24
Republican Puppet Theater named after M. Zhangaziev
230/a Yusup Abdrahmanov St.; tel. 67-06-17
T. Satylganov Kyrgyz State Philharmonic
253 Chuy Ave.; tel. 21-22-62, 21-22-35
Conservatory
115 Jantosheva St.; tel. +996 (312) 57-02-25
Folklore-Ethnographic Theater "Ordo-Sakhna"
Bishkek, Gvardeyskiy Lane, 18 A
+996 (312) 554-01-00, 54-03-33
www.ordosakhna.org.kg
Theater "Tunguch"
Bishkek, Chuy Ave., 168a; tel. 61-36-39
Naryn Regional Musical Drama Theater named after M. Ryskulov
tel. 2-10-93
Jumgal Youth Theater
tel. 2-12-36
Kochkor Musical Drama Theater
tel. 2-12-95
Issyk-Kul Regional Musical Drama Theater named after K. Jantoshev
tel. 5-11-37
Osh Kyrgyz Drama Theater named after S. Ibraimov
tel. 2-73-12
Osh Puppet Theater
tel. 7-72-74
Osh Uzbek Academic Musical Drama Theater named after Babur
tel. 5-57-85
Alai Musical Drama Theater
tel. 2-60-62
Jalalabad Regional Drama Theater named after Barpy
tel. 2-28-17
Chuy Regional Theater "Kuuduldar" named after Sh. Termechikov
tel. (0517) 71-62-59
Tele-Theater "Uchur"
tel. 65-55-39
Experimental Youth Theater "SAKHNA"
tel. 42-65-08
Osh Regional Philharmonic named after R. Abdykadyrov
tel. 2-27-69
Jalalabad Regional Philharmonic named after T. Tynibekov
tel. 5-06-46
Chuy Chamber Orchestra
tel. 95-90-96
Children's Creative Association "Rabayat". Mobile Puppet Theater
Republican Library named after K. Bayalynov, 242 A. Ogonbaev St.