About the show
One of the main performances staged by Nabi Abdurakhmanov took place first at the Beit Zvi Theatre School
in Israel and then at the Youth Theatre of Uzbekistan. It's an adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's novel "The History
Of A Horse". Throughout the performance, there's a rhythmic "dance" of the horse herd, serving as an
expression of the intertwined natural and social live, rich with complexity and contradiction. The central
character is the legendary Kholstomer, embodying the ambiguity of life and encapsulating its essence.
Nabi Abdurakhmanov, the director of the performance and an Honored Worker of Arts of the Republic of
Uzbekistan, shared during a press conference after the premiere that working on "Kholstomer" was an
endeavor to capture the profound and unsettling essence of Tolstoy's work."We aimed to grasp the energy
of Tolstoy's soul, to perceive the world through his eyes, and to be imbued with the spirit of this great figure,"
he explained."This performance is our contemporary interpretation of a classic, tailored for today's
youth. We endeavored to synthesize language, music, and movement into a cohesive, poetic whole."
Abdurakhmanov expressed his intention not merely to retell the story of the horse but to delve into the
narrative of youthful vigor and potential, often marred by the inability to reach spiritual heights, symbolized
by the destruction of Kholstomer."In my rendition, it is not humans but horses themselves who bring about
Kholstomer's demise. I sought to convey that Kholstomer, even in death, retains the right to soar to the
Highest Realms. His capacity for inner flight remains unmatched, whereas the young ones are forever
grounded, burdened by their own deed, because on their conscience - there is perfect evil. Truth be told,
I aimed to craft a performance centered around Pegasus," he revealed.
The young actors approached their roles with reverence and deep understanding, each navigating the
internal dynamics and tragic poetry of the narrative in their own unique way. The actor portraying
Kholstomer skillfully embodied the essence of the character, portraying the grandeur of life and the power
of the spirit, poised for flight, love, and dignity as bestowed upon a sentient being by the divine.
For these young actors, this experience was a revelation, a crucible of professional growth. They recognized
that true artistry and creative maturity are cultivated only through engagement with quality material.
Every actor contributed to the performance with precision, competence, and passion, coalescing into
a harmonious theatrical ensemble.
The scenography, crafted by the talented artist Igor Gulenko, received high praise for its contribution to the
unified aesthetic vision of the production. From costumes to set design to props, every element was
meticulously organized in both time and space, enhancing the authenticity of the theatrical experience.
Dmitriy Yanov-Yanovsky's magnificent musical score added another layer of depth, effectively conveying
the essence of Tolstoy's work.