Behind the Scenes of the Yakutian Opera and Ballet Theatre
The Yakutian Opera and Ballet Theatre stands as a grand landmark in the region, often called 'a city within a city' by those who work there. Founded during challenging times, it became a cultural hub where Moscow artists helped shape opera and ballet in Yakutia. Its history stretches back to early productions like Djuluruyua Nyurgun Bootur, the opera-olonkho that marked the theatre’s beginnings.
The theatre’s origins trace back to the 1930s, when cultural figures from Moscow arrived to develop the arts in Yakutia. Among them was Mark Nikolayevich Zhirkov, who discovered Ilya Perevalov—a villager from Zalog with a remarkable singing voice—and brought him into the company. The first performances took place in the former Holy Trinity Cathedral, a space without central heating or proper lighting. Audiences sat in darkness, waiting for candles to flicker on.
The first generation of Yakut ballet dancers was trained by Ivan Karelin, a ballet master from Moscow. His students included Aksinya Poselskaya and Innokenty Khristoforov, who became key figures in the theatre’s early years. Meanwhile, the building itself grew into a sprawling complex. One side features a grand lobby with soaring ceilings and glittering chandeliers, leading to the auditorium through two imposing doors. The other half is a maze of corridors, staircases, and hidden nooks where artists and staff work. At the heart of the theatre lies its production workshop, described by Alexander Markov as the place where creative visions come to life. Since 2012, this Berlin-founded space has employed around thirty people who craft sets, props, and costumes for every show. Some of the oldest surviving costumes date back to 1957, including one worn by Anna Yegorova in her role as Tuyaryma Kuo in *Nyurgun Bootur*.
Today, the Yakutian Opera and Ballet Theatre remains a testament to perseverance and artistic dedication. Its vast building, filled with history and craftsmanship, continues to host performances shaped by decades of tradition. The workshop, costumes, and stories preserved within its walls keep the legacy of its founders alive.
