Inclusive Musical Featuring Children with Autism Draws Full House in Astana
On 4 April, the Azerbaijan Mambetov State Drama and Comedy Theatre in Astana hosted a sold-out performance of the inclusive musical «The Fly Tsokotukha», featuring children and young people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The performance was supported by the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation and marked both World Autism Awareness Month and the 20th anniversary of the DOM Foundation.
The production brought together an audience of 800 people. A total of 84 performers took part in the musical, including 33 children and young adults with ASD aged 6 to 19, alongside their parents. The Astana performance was the project’s first in the capital, following its successful premiere in Almaty in 2023.
The musical is part of the «Autism Can Be Overcome» programme implemented by the Voluntary Society Mercy Foundation under the leadership of Aruzhan Sain. Beyond a theatrical performance, the project demonstrates the outcomes of long-term, systematic work to develop communication, social and life skills in children with autism.
For many participants, performing on a professional stage before a large audience represented a significant personal milestone. Taking on theatrical roles, interacting with fellow performers and engaging with the audience enabled the children to demonstrate the progress they have achieved through the continuous support of specialists and their families.
“Bringing this performance to the capital is a truly special experience. The theatre became a place where the usual boundaries between performers and audience, and between what is considered possible and impossible, disappeared. It is especially encouraging to hear audience members say that the performance changed the way they see the abilities and potential of children with autism,” – said Aruzhan Sain.
The production was designed with inclusion at its core. Stage sets were handcrafted by parents of children with ASD, while costumes were created with careful consideration of the performers’ sensory needs. Every creative element was intended to provide a supportive environment in which each child could participate confidently and express their individual talents.
“Participating in the performance is an important part of social development. The children learn to communicate, express emotions and work together as a team. My daughter plays the Grasshopper and goes on stage with great enthusiasm. For us as parents, it is equally meaningful to witness their achievements and be part of this journey,” – said Saniya Abenova, mother of one of the performers.
The Astana performance was made possible through the sponsorship of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation, which considers support for inclusive initiatives an integral part of its long-term commitment to strengthening human capital and creating more inclusive communities.
“Every movement and every line on stage reflects extraordinary dedication, perseverance and belief in every child’s potential. It is both deeply moving and a powerful reminder of why sustained support for inclusive initiatives is so important. Over the past 12 years, our Foundation has established 13 Asyl Miras Autism Centres across 12 regions of Kazakhstan, providing support to more than 20,000 children. We also continue to promote greater public awareness through our annual «Autism. One World for All» campaign, which includes open days and educational events at all Asyl Miras Centres throughout April,” – said Ainur Karbozova, Chief Executive Officer of the Bulat Utemuratov Foundation.
Interest in inclusive cultural initiatives continues to grow in Kazakhstan. Projects such as «The Fly Tsokotukha» are increasingly recognised not only as artistic achievements, but also as meaningful social initiatives that promote understanding, acceptance and inclusion. The Astana premiere marked another important step towards building a society where every child has the opportunity to participate, contribute and thrive.
