By Patrick de Bana
Copyright trend
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 25. The cultural
complex “Nasimi Gardens” in Shamakhi hosted the premiere of the
“The Legend of Nasimi” ballet as part of the ongoing 3rd Nasimi
Festival of Poetry, Spirituality and Art, Trend reports.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Writers’
Union, People’s Writer Anar, emphasized the unique role of Nasimi
in the development of Azerbaijani literature and culture. He noted
the poet’s creativity had a profound influence on both enriching
our language and shaping the spiritual values of our people.
Director of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet
Theatre, People’s Artist Yusif Eyvazov, underlined the importance
of the Nasimi Festival in Shamakhi’s cultural life. According to
him, the event plays a key role in preserving Nasimi’s legacy and
presenting his works through various art forms.
Ballet dancer, theatre director, and producer Andris Liepa
stated that “The Legend of Nasimi” was specially prepared to convey
the spiritual and aesthetic values of the poet’s creativity to the
audience. He added that the choreography and musical approach of
the new staging allowed the poet’s ideas to be expressed through
the language of modern art.
The Azerbaijan State Song and Dance Ensemble named after Fikrat
Amirov, under the artistic direction of Rufat Khalilzade, performed
the Sufi dance.
Honored Artist Sevda Alekbarzadeh will follow with a performance
of “Mərhaba, xoş gəldin” while acclaimed singer Chingiz Mustafayev
and Turkish writer-musician Hakan Mengüç will present “Qafil, Oyan”
(“Negligent One, Be Awake”).
One of the evening’s highlights will be “Dönməzəm” (“I Will Not
Turn Back”), performed by People’s Artists Alim Gasimov and Natiq
Shirinov, the “Natiq” rhythm group, singer AISEL, Honored Artist
Elnur Mikayilov on kamancha, the Symphony Orchestra of the
Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, and the State
Choir Capella of Azerbaijan.
One of the most anticipated moments of the festival was the new
staging of “The Legend of Nasimi,” originally composed by Fikrat
Amirov. The production was staged under the guidance of Andris
Liepa, with choreography by Patrick De Bana, who has worked with
ballet companies around the world. The ballet troupe of the
Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre performed
alongside the theatre’s symphony orchestra.
Fikret Amirov composed the ballet “The Tale of Nasimi” (Nəsimi
Dastanı) in 1973, with the libretto authored by writer Anar. The
work premiered on September 23 of the same year, quickly earning
wide acclaim from audiences. Shortly thereafter, in 1974, it was
honored with the State Prize of the Republic.
The Nasimi Festival, organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation
and the Ministry of Culture in partnership with the Islamic
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), is
dedicated to the legacy of Imadaddin Nasimi (1369–1417), one of the
greatest poets and thinkers of the East. His poetry remains
relevant to this day, not only as a remarkable example of literary
art but also through the timeless depth of its meaning.
Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News
Agency’s WhatsApp channel
