TOUR of
The Karaganda Academic Theatre of Musical Comedy
Giya Kancheli
The Tricks of Khanuma
Musical comedy in 2 acts
Performed in Russian
Libretto by B. Ratser and V. Konstantinov
The production premiered on 24 June 1999
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Music Director and Conductor: Valentin Bogdanov, Holder of the badge “Madeniyet Kairatkeri” (St. Petersburg)
Stage Director: Alexander Malyavsky
Set Designer: Malik Baikenov, Honoured Worker of Kazakhstan
Chorus Master: Tatiana Shtykova, Knight of the Order of “Kurmet”
Choreographer: Igor Khramov
Costume Designer: Olga Vitols
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Giya Kancheli was a Soviet composer and the Honoured Artist of the Georgian SSR (1972). His music is closely tied to national musical traditions, marked by the organic integration of their characteristics. His comedy stands out for its sharp imagery, lyrical elevation, dynamic development and unique dramaturgy. The composer successfully imparted novelty and high artistry to simple everyday material. “The Tricks of Khanuma” is a joyful, spirited performance full of national colour and delightful Georgian humour.
SYNOPSIS
A noble but impoverished prince, Vano Pantiashvili, seeks to improve his financial situation by marrying a wealthy bride. This is known to the best matchmakers in Tiflis, Khanuma and Kabato. Kabato is the first to appear at Pantiashvili’s house, having found a young, beautiful girl named Sona for the prince. Sona is the daughter of the successful merchant Mikich, who dreams of joining the aristocracy. However, Sona and her tutor Kote, the poor nephew of the prince, are in love. The most skillful matchmaker in Tiflis, Khanuma, takes it upon herself to help the lovers and thwart Kabato’s plans. Thanks to Khanuma’s cunning schemes, Sona and Kote find happiness, Akop marries Khanuma, the prince marries Guliko, and Kabato becomes the leading matchmaker in Tiflis.
