Almaty theaters
Almaty is rightly called the cultural capital of Kazakhstan. Theater enthusiasts easily find performances to their liking here, ranging from classical academic productions to experimental performances.
In our selection, we present to your attention the best theaters in the city of Almaty.
Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theater named after Abai
The famous GATOB is one of the iconic theaters of Almaty. Located in the heart of the southern capital, it is a true ornament of the city and a favorite place of the creative intelligentsia of Almaty. Here, world-class productions of opera and ballet performances are staged, often featuring touring troupes from different countries. If you want to enjoy a colorful performance and a professional presentation by musicians and dancers, be sure to visit the Abai Theater!
photo KAZGOR
The history of the theater began in 1933 when a music studio was organized in Alma-Ata, which later became the Kazakh Opera and Ballet Theater. Under the direction of composer Evgeny Brusilovsky, the first public performance of the musical comedy "Ayman Sholpan" took place in 1934. Over the decades, the theater actively developed its repertoire, including national productions and collaboration with renowned artists, leading to its designation as a National Theater in 2020.
Ticket price: from 1000 tenge
Almaty Theatre
In spring 2022, the Almaty Theatre opened in Almaty — a modern theater and center of Kazakhstani theatrical art. Located on Al-Farabi Avenue, the theater complements the architectural ensemble of the "financial center" and takes its place among the attractions of Almaty. The interior of the Almaty Theatre corresponds to modern trends in space design, and the auditorium accommodates 700 people.
The theater operates a choreographic school where young artists are trained. The theater offers a variety of productions, including ballet, musicals, dramas, and symphonic music concerts, as well as organizes social events, fashion shows, masterclasses, and training sessions. Visitors can purchase tickets and become members of the "Theater Friends Club" for additional privileges.
Ticket price: from 3000 tenge
Auezov Drama Theatre
Performances at the Auezov Theatre are held in the Kazakh language. This is a wonderful place to spend a cultural family evening, invite representatives of the older generation to a production, and enjoy the masterpieces of Kazakh drama.
The Kazakh Drama Theatre was founded in 1925 in Kyzylorda and later moved to Almaty. In 1961, the theater was named after Mukhtar Auezov, and since then, the theater has played a key role in the development of Kazakh culture. In the 1980s, the theater received a building in the city center, opposite the Almaty circus. After Kazakhstan gained independence, the theater renewed its repertoire, touring with performances to festivals abroad and showcasing modern Kazakh theatrical art.
Ticket price: from 500 tenge
Russian Drama Theatre named after Lermontov
The Russian Lermontov Drama Theatre in Almaty is a unique cultural space where a century-old history and modern theatrical trends are superbly combined. Founded in 1933 with the participation of outstanding Soviet theater figures, it has become an integral part of Kazakhstan's cultural heritage.
The theater delights audiences with a diverse repertoire — from classical Russian drama to contemporary works. This theater not only preserves its importance in the city's cultural life but also improves thanks to talented actors, directors, and regular renovations, providing audiences with a unique theatrical experience.
Ticket price: from 7000 tenge
Theater ARTiSHOK (main stage)
ARTiSHOK can rightfully be called a favorite among Almaty's theaters and creative youth. Founded in 2001 in Almaty, it is a large non-state theater dedicated to popularizing theatrical culture in modern society.
Over its relatively short history, ARTiSHOK has managed to gain popularity among the residents of Almaty and actively develop, participating in theater competitions and festivals not only in Kazakhstan but also beyond its borders. ARTiSHOK represents a unique direction for Kazakhstan — the "author's theater." It is a theater of research, focusing on the study of people, phenomena, relationships, events, documents, biographies, and time. The peculiarity of ARTiSHOK is that the majority of its performances are created using the method of actor improvisation.
In addition to staging performances, the theater nurtures new talented actors and directors, who are actively involved in the development of ARTiSHOK.
The theater has two venues (stages). The main stage is located in the 28 Panfilov Heroes Park (down the Dostyk street, before Gogol). The small stage is located on Kunayev Street, at the intersection with Zhibek Zholy.
Ticket price: from 4000 tenge
Jas Sakhna Theatre
The "Jas Sakhna" Theater (translated from Kazakh as "Young Stage") is a creative project initiated by the prominent Kazakhstani artist and director Bayten Valikhanovich Omarov. Not long ago, the theater acquired a new large hall, where not only performances but also classical music concerts are held.
Ticket price: from 3800 tenge
Theater Bunker
"Art Shelter Bunker" in Almaty is a unique theatrical venue located in a real bomb shelter built during the Soviet era.
The theme of the theater's productions focuses on social issues relevant to modern society. Performances address a wide range of problems, from financial difficulties and credit slavery to office routine, exploring complex stories of broken families and life dramas.
"Art Shelter Bunker" also actively engages in educational activities, offering courses for those who wish to master acting skills. These courses not only develop the creative potential of students but also help them overcome stage fright. Many graduates of these courses successfully continue their careers in theaters both in Kazakhstan and Russia.
The combination of an unusual space, creative design, and the professionalism of the actors make visiting the "Bunker" a unique and memorable experience for audiences.
Ticket price: from 3000 tenge
German Drama Theater
The Republican Academic German Drama Theater is a unique creative collective embodying a 40-year history, oriented towards the cultural heritage of European and world drama. The distinctive feature of the theater is the harmonious combination of academicism and modern theatrical practices, which organically incorporate the cultural and spiritual heritage of various nationalities living in Kazakhstan into their productions.
Engaging in social charity, the theater maintains partnerships with a number of organizations, organizes charity festivals, and participates in numerous socio-cultural projects.
Thanks to extensive experience working with European specialists, the German Theater has repeatedly represented Kazakhstani theatrical art at international festivals in various countries.
Ticket price: from 2000 tenge
Korean Musical Comedy Theater
In 2022, the Republican State Academic Korean Theater of the Republic of Kazakhstan celebrated its 90th anniversary. This unique creative entity represents the fifth generation of national artists and theater workers.
Throughout its long history, the theater has served as the cultural center of Koreans in Kazakhstan, becoming an emblem of ethnocultural diversity that has emerged from certain historical processes. The theater's productions reflect the ethnocultural policy of the state, which seeks to unite people of different cultures into a unified future for the new Kazakhstan.
The theatrical world of Kazakhstan speaks different languages, including Korean.
Ticket price: from 1000 tenge
The Uighur Musical Comedy Theater named after Kujamjarov
The Uighur Musical Comedy Theater in Kazakhstan, founded in 1934, is a unique cultural phenomenon and the only theater of the Uighur nation in the world. Throughout its long history, the theater has gone through several stages of development, starting from its formation as a theater circle in Almaty.
One of the features of the theater is its contribution to the development of Uighur drama and theatrical culture. The collective includes not only an acting troupe but also the dance ensemble "Rukhsara" and the folklore ensemble "Nava." The theater's repertoire is constantly updated, preserving the best old productions.
Thus, the Uighur Musical Comedy Theater not only continues to preserve the Uighur cultural heritage but also actively contributes to the world theatrical art.
Ticket price: from 1000 tenge
Children's Theaters
Musrepov Children's and Youth Theater
The Musrepov Youth Theater in Almaty is one of the leading children's theaters in Kazakhstan. Located in a beautiful building formerly owned by the Kazakh Drama Theater named after Abay, the theater is close to the city center on Abylai Khan Street.
The history of the Young Spectator's Theater began in 1944 at the initiative of Natalia Sats, a famous Soviet theater director. Initially, the performances were staged in Russian, but soon a Kazakh troupe was formed. Over the first decades of the theater's existence, many new productions were staged, including those in the Kazakh language.
Currently, the Youth Theater stages children's plays based on works of Kazakh literature and world classics. Special attention is paid to folklore, fairy tales, and plays by Kazakh authors. The Children's and Youth Theater continues to delight its audience with fascinating and educational performances in the Kazakh language with simultaneous translation into Russian.
Ticket price: from 600 tenge
Russian Children's and Youth Theater named after Sats
The Children's and Youth Theater in Almaty, founded in 1945, is an important cultural institution with a rich history. The idea of creating the theater belongs to the famous director and educator Natalia Sats, who, despite the tragic circumstances of her life, retained her love for the theater. After moving to Almaty, she began organizing a new theater, which became the foundation for the Children's and Youth Theater.
The solemn opening of the theater took place on the anniversary of the October Revolution, and the first productions were the fairy tale "Little Red Riding Hood" and the drama "The Siege of Leyden." The theater developed, and a year after its foundation, a separate Kazakh troupe was created. The repertoire mainly included performances in Russian.
Currently, the theater continues to develop and expand its repertoire, which includes almost thirty plays for children and their parents. The variety includes both eternal classics and productions with modern characters, making it attractive to a wide audience.
Ticket price: from 1000 tenge
Puppet Theater
The Almaty Puppet Theater is the oldest theater in Kazakhstan, with a rich history that began in 1935.
The theater's repertoire includes various performances, from classics to contemporary dramas, as well as fairy tales for children. Puppet characters bring to life works by both world and Kazakh authors, as well as folklore motifs. The theater also organizes special performances for children, where playful stories discuss safety, healthy living, and behavior rules.
For many years, the puppet theater has nurtured generations of artists and participated in international festivals, winning prizes and traveling to various countries, making it famous abroad. In 2010, the theater troupe won first place at the World Puppet Festival in Prague.
The theater building has historical significance, was built in 1910, and underwent reconstruction in 2013. Currently, the theater is equipped with modern workshops and two halls, accommodating about three hundred spectators. For the convenience of viewers with limited mobility, comfortable seats are provided in front of the stage.
Ticket price: from 1000 tenge
Sesame Puppet Theater
The Sesame Puppet Theater combines genres in its productions, creating unique performances that include elements of puppet theater, ballet, circus, drama, and many others. Special attention is paid to lively interaction with the audience, and performances are always conducted in "live" mode, adding a special dynamism and energy to each presentation.
One of Sesame's main treasures is its unique puppets, which give each production a special character and visual magic.
The Sesame Puppet Theater continues to inspire and delight audiences with unique and creative productions, offering them an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Performances of the theater take place in the building of the Auezov Drama Theater.
Ticket price: from 1000 tenge
Keremet
The Keremet Creative Theater Center is a modern independent theater platform welcoming audiences from 0 to 100 years old. Convinced that theater can serve as a meeting place for children and adults, they strive to create an atmosphere where everyone can find something valuable.
For young viewers, Keremet offers baby performances that enrich the perception experience and introduce them to artistic images for the first time. For parents, this becomes an opportunity to share bright emotional experiences with their children and create memories together.
The wide range of performances includes interactive shows for the whole family, plays for teenagers and young adults, as well as experimental productions aimed at adult audiences. Keremet supports theater dialogue, inviting audiences to co-create and stimulating the start of a conversation.
Ticket price: from 3500 tenge
Puppet Theater "Zazerkalye"
The Zazerkalye Puppet Theater in Almaty lovingly and warmly recreates the atmosphere of a fairy-tale world embodied by unique puppets and a creative team of actors and directors.
The performances not only entertain but also help children understand the emotions, fears, and experiences presented by the puppets. The joy and delight that the theater brings to its audience contribute to the formation of positive character traits and an orientation toward positivity in life.
Zazerkalye is a place where a child can develop their creative abilities in an atmosphere of fun. Events and performances of the theater take place in the building of the Zhastar Theater.
Ticket price: 3000 tenge
"Cozy Theaters" of Almaty
Interius
Interius Theater is a unique creative space specializing in dance dramatic performances.
The performances not only impress the audience with their choreography but also tell unique stories through the language of movement and dance.
The theater is located at the Orken Theater Studio.
Ticket price: from 8000 tenge
La Bohême
La Bohême Theater is a multifaceted creative platform designed for musical groups, theatrical productions, artists, poets, and writers. Here, diversity and creative self-expression are valued.
In the cozy premises of the theater, located in the Officers' House, theater enthusiasts and musicians gather to share cozy evenings in a warm atmosphere.
Ticket price: from 2000 tenge
The Theater of the Oppressed at NOT Ballet
This theater, focused on interactive audience participation, offers a unique format where actors and spectators jointly engage in acting out real-life "oppression" stories from everyday life. The process begins with actor warm-ups for participants, then they are divided into groups, given scripts with real stories, and act them out on stage. Spectators, in turn, can enjoy improvisational sketches and even influence the development of the stories.
This theater serves as a platform for open discussion and art therapy, using laughter and theatrical methods to look at social issues.
Ticket price: 1500 tenge
Total Theater
"Total Theater" in Almaty, founded by director Anton Zaitsev in 2019, is a unique creative space where various genres and directions, including ballet, circus, and puppet theater, come together.
During the first two seasons, the theater held performances at various venues in Almaty, but in 2021, the theater moved to its own stage located on Shevchenko Street, near the "Baikonur" metro station.
The theater's repertoire includes performances on topical themes for adult audiences, as well as special productions for children and teenagers. In addition, "Total Theater" holds master classes, providing audiences with an opportunity to delve deeper into the theatrical art.
Ticket price: from 3500 tenge
Transforma
"Transforma" is a cultural space in Almaty aimed at promoting creative projects in various fields of art. It is a platform and production center actively supporting projects in the field of theater, contemporary Kazakhstani and world drama, poetry, contemporary dance, and electronic music.
Since 2021, "Transforma" has been operating in the format of a pop-up theater, which involves the temporary use of various venues in the city of Almaty to implement its projects. This approach allows maintaining the activity and cultural significance of the space, despite the loss of a permanent location.