Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan

On the occasion of March 27 – World Theatre Day, a festive program was organized in the capital, during which a group of theatre professionals were awarded.

This year’s event differed significantly from previous ones, as for the first time the “Mahmudkhoja Behbudiy Award” and the “Bahodir Yuldashev Award” were presented to достойные recipients. At the same time, the “National Theatre Ranking” was announced and winners were rewarded.

Deputy Minister Yusufjon Usmonov attended the event and congratulated representatives of the field on their professional holiday.

For reference, March 27 is the day when theatre professionals around the world celebrate their professional holiday. Established in 1961 at the IX Congress of the International Theatre Institute under UNESCO, this day is a joyful occasion not only for stage artists but also for audiences, theatre scholars, playwrights, and all art lovers.

Within the framework of the Cultural Concept approved on the initiative of the Head of State, Open Doors Days were held in all state theatres from March 21 to 27 in honor of World Theatre Day. Since 2018, the “Theatre Performance Week” has been traditionally organized during these days.

Currently, various performances of different themes and genres are being shown free of charge to audiences in state theatres. In particular, from March 21 to 27 of this year, more than 160 performances were staged by 37 state theatres, attracting nearly 50,000 spectators.

In accordance with the Resolution No. 399 of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated November 22, 2024, during the ceremonial event organized by the Ministry of Culture, the National Theatre Ranking was announced based on the results of the theatres’ activities over the year.

According to the ranking:

1st place was awarded to the Karakalpak State Academic Musical Theatre named after Berdakh, which received a monetary prize equivalent to 50 times the base salary — 63 million 550 thousand soums.

2nd place was awarded to the Kashkadarya Regional Puppet Theatre, which received a prize equivalent to 30 times the base salary — 38 million 130 thousand soums.

3rd place was awarded to the Andijan Regional Youth Theatre, which received a prize equivalent to 20 times the base salary — 25 million 420 thousand soums.

In addition, in accordance with the Presidential Resolution No. 399 of November 22, 2024, to support playwrights actively working in dramaturgy, the “Mahmudkhoja Behbudiy Award” and, for young directors, the “Bahodir Yuldashev Award” were established:

– Playwright Nurilla Abboskhon was awarded the Mahmudkhoja Behbudiy Award for his active creative work in dramaturgy, his contribution to the development of theatre art, and enriching theatre repertoires with relevant stage works;

– Director Rasuljon Togayqulov was awarded the Bahodir Yuldashev Award for his active work in directing, social engagement, talent, and contribution to enriching theatre repertoires with актуальные productions.

At the same time, dedicated creators from 41 state theatres across the country were awarded certificates of appreciation and commemorative gifts.

A festive program dedicated to World Theatre Day was also presented.