The second day of the IV International Festival "Theater Art of the Age of Happiness" was continued by the Alp Arslan National Drama Theater, presenting the play "White Steamboat" on their stage. The play is based on the eponymous novella by the Soviet and Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov.

It is worth mentioning that many theaters of Turkmenistan have repeatedly turned to the works of this globally renowned writer. In different years, our country's theater stages have featured performances based on his works such as "Mother's Field" and "My Poplar in a Red Kerchief."

"White Steamboat," directed by Khandurdy Berdiev, Honored Artist of Turkmenistan, is yet another creative research of the team of the Alp Arslan Drama Theater, which has brought forth this unique production.

Everything in the production is meticulously thought out - from the unique costumes of the characters that emphasize the era, to the set design. Special mention should be made of the work of the designers - Honored Artist of Turkmenistan Batyr Bekmyradov and Mekan Annamyradov for creating an original transforming scenery.

The plot of the play unfolds around a little boy who lives in protected mountainous areas, far away from civilization. His grandfather replaces his father and mother. The boy sincerely believes that his father is a captain on a white steamboat. And that one day, by turning into a fish, he will be able to swim to the coveted ship to embrace his parent. But the child's dreams are not destined to come true, as the world created from fairy-tale illusions is incredibly fragile and collapses in an instant.

The main character's role was skillfully performed by Suleyman Gurbanov. The director and professional theater actors assisted him in working on the role. Therefore, the image of the boy succeeded to the glory. The cast of the play is also noteworthy, with all the characters being colorful and expressive. Akmнrat Archikov, Honored Artist of Turkmenistan, played the role of Momun's grandfather. The negative character Orazkul was portrayed by Dovran Khojageldiev.

The play also involved Honored Artists of Turkmenistan Gerek Khojamamedova, Gulshat Menglieva, Sulgun Tashlieva, and others.

The performance of the Alp Arslan National Drama Theater was highly appreciated by the guests and participants of the festival. The show in Ashgabat, held within the framework of the IV International Festival "Theater Art of the Age of Happiness," was timed to the 95^th anniversary of Chingiz Aitmatov's birth, which will be celebrated on December 12 in his homeland, Kyrgyzstan.