Contemporary Kazakh theater is making its way onto the European stage with the play «Sun Line,» which has been included in the main program of the JULA Festival, an international youth theater and music festival held annually in Munich. The play will be performed on Nov. 28, 2025, as one of the festival’s key events.
Why exactly «Sun Line»?
The project was created by colabalab, an independent company recognized for its experimental work at the intersection of theater, cinema and contemporary art. It was produced by Mira Shapayeva and Aisulu Azimbaeva, who also stars alongside actor Askar Ilyasov. The play is directed by Dmitri Gomzyakov.
The premiere of «Sun Line» took place in Almaty on June 11 and 12, 2024. Just a few months later, the production was staged at the Almaty Theatre, performed to sold-out audiences throughout the season and becoming a notable cultural event in the city. That same year, the play received the Freedom Ticketon Award for Best Play of the Year, a recognition that secured its status as one of the most important projects on Kazakhstan’s independent stage.
What is «Sun Line» about?
«Sun Line» is a chamber story about boundaries, freedom and love, which has already become iconic in Almaty. The production seamlessly blends cinema and theater, with a cinematic projection behind the actors to complement the drama on stage. The minimalist set design keeps focus on the actors’ performances and the dramatic tension of the dialogue.
Audience interest in the play was so high that all performances sold out. The production is now moving beyond Kazakhstan’s borders to represent modern Kazakh theater on Europe’s largest stage. Participation in the JULA Festival not only brings international recognition but also marks a new chapter for Kazakhstan’s independent theater, opening the way to a broader cultural dialogue.
