Er Toshtuk photographs by Margaret Morton 1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16   17   ER TOSHTUK a magical and humorous theatre piece about a journey into the underworld and out into the cosmos based on a Kyrgyz epic created by Virlana Tkacz and Kenzhegul Satybaldieva workshop performances: May 23-July 13, 2008 at B’Art Center in the capital city - Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan July 16-19, 2008 at Village Cultural Center, Kara Suu, Celestial Mountains September 8, 2008 at the 3rd National Theatre Festival in Karakol, Kyrgyzstan “ER TOSHTUK: A Contemporary Verison of a Kyrgyz Epic” www.stan.tv May 24, 2008 "An experimental American theatre director in Kyrgyzstan has created a contemporary version of the ancient Kyrgyz epic Er Toshtuk. America director Virlana Tkacz came up with the idea of doing a new version of this old epic. She has worked with world folklore for many years. The inhabitants of the underworld -- including the relentless Mamyts, the enchanting Bektoro, and all kinds of evil creatures – had to be created visually and through movement, so they could be understood without language. This is the art of directing. The art of acting lies in the ability to feel your partner on stage, and to exist with them in the same frame. The director, together with the actors and designers, has created a lucid vision of an ancient era. Thanks to masterful performances both the mythical and realistic scenes in the epic are woven together into a fine stage production. " For more information on Er Toshtuk