A comprehensive staff meeting dedicated to the results of the 94th theatrical season was held at the Azerbaijan State Puppet Theatre named after Abdulla Shaig.
Speaking at the meeting, the theatre’s director, Rashad Ahmadzadeh, stated that the 94th theatrical season of the Azerbaijan State Puppet Theatre has been a highly productive year in terms of creativity, development, international cooperation, and social activities.
The director noted that the theatre, which has a rich 95-year history, is entering its jubilee season with successful results. According to him, the repertoire was enriched with seven new stage productions this season, each of which was met with great interest by the audience.
Rashad Ahmadzadeh mentioned that the play “Innab aghaji” (Jujube Tree), directed by Anar Mammadov, was staged during the season. The “Aybolit” benefit performance, dedicated to the jubilee of the prominent puppet master and beloved actor Rahman Rahmanov, also attracted great interest from theatre lovers.
The director pointed out that the play “Garaja giz” (The Black Girl), based on the work of the same name by S.S. Akhundov and directed by Saida Hagverdiyeva, was one of the successful premieres of the season and has become one of the most popular pieces in the repertoire.
According to him, in accordance with tradition, the “Winter Tale” play, directed by Anar Mammadov, was presented at the end of the year. The play “Shangulum, Mangulum,” based on an Azerbaijani folk tale, was one of the interesting stage works of the season. The play “Tailless Rabbit,” directed by Mushfig Aliyev, held a special place among the most successful premieres of the season.
Rashad Ahmadzadeh emphasized that the theatre’s Russian section was also distinguished by active creative work during the season. The play “The Deceived Wolf,” directed by Ahad Hajiyev, was presented to Russian-speaking audiences.
The director noted with satisfaction that the theatre has fully fulfilled all planned and non-planned obligations throughout the year.
Touching upon financial indicators, Rashad Ahmadzadeh stated that the success of the repertoire policy was also reflected in the box office results. According to him, the highest-grossing play of the season was “The Rabbit’s Birthday,” which generated over 10,000 manats. It was followed by “The Three Little Pigs,” “Garaja giz,” and “Thumbelina” with over 8,000 manats each, and “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and “The Golden Fish” with over 7,000 manats.
The director added that annual financial reports and plan indicators are presented with precise figures by the accounting department, and the figures mentioned at the meeting are data reflecting the general statistical picture.
According to him, in the last six months alone, the theatre performed 333 shows and served more than 26,000 spectators. This indicator shows the growing audience interest in the theatre’s repertoire and its overall activities.
Speaking about international relations, Rashad Ahmadzadeh noted that the theatre successfully represented Azerbaijan at the “NOMAD PUPPET” I International Puppet Theatre Festival and contributed to the development of international creative ties.
The director stated that touring activities were also successfully continued throughout the season. Within the framework of trips organized to Lankaran, Gobustan, and Pirallahi, successful performances were presented to regional audiences.
Speaking about the work done in the direction of social responsibility, the theatre head noted that various social projects were implemented with the support of the YASHAT Foundation and the Nargis Foundation, charity performances were held in shelters operating in the capital, and a special program was prepared for children undergoing treatment at the Children’s Oncology Center.
Rashad Ahmadzadeh emphasized that social projects were implemented jointly with the Ministry of Science and Education, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, the Ombudsman’s Office, and other government agencies on the occasion of June 1 – International Children’s Day, December 3 – International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and other notable dates.
The director stated that cooperation with the Culture Committee of the Milli Majlis has expanded further during the season, and mutual relations have been strengthened.
During his speech, he noted that one of the proudest events of the season was the high appreciation of theatre staff by the state. By the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Honored Cultural Worker Aslan Fatullayev and leading actors Sariyya Mansurova and Javid Ibrahimov were awarded the Presidential Prize. Rashad Ahmadzadeh assessed this as a high appreciation of the work of the entire theatre collective.
The director stated in his speech that preparations for the 95th jubilee theatrical season are already underway. Currently, rehearsals are being held for the plays “Little Traveler,” directed by Anar Mammadov, and “Turaj and the Magic Comb,” directed by Saida Hagverdiyeva.
In conclusion, Rashad Ahmadzadeh emphasized that the successes achieved in the 94th theatrical season are the result of the professionalism and dedicated work of the theatre’s creative and technical staff, as well as those working backstage. He stated that in the upcoming 95th jubilee season, the theatre will continue to delight its audience with new plays, international projects, and social initiatives.
Following the speech, an award ceremony was held for employees who distinguished themselves in various categories based on the results of the 94th theatrical season.
Drama artists Aygul Agayeva and Araz Hasanli were awarded for their productive activities (most performances played) during the season, Sabina Mammadova for her effective work, and drama artist Bayram Fataliyev for his successful debut.
In addition, the play “Garaja giz,” which premiered on December 19, 2025, and quickly achieved one of the highest revenue indicators in the theatre’s repertoire, was awarded in the “Premiere of the Season” category.
At the end of the event, Deputy Director of the Theatre Elnur Abbasguliyev, Head of the Creative Department Anar Mammadov, and Head of the Costume and Stage Design Department Igbal Aliyev expressed their gratitude to the collective for their persistent work throughout the season, wishing the creative team a pleasant rest, new creative successes, and new achievements in the upcoming 95th jubilee theatrical season.