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Astana's 2025 cultural boom shines with theater triumphs and citywide progress

From star-studded premieres to citywide green initiatives, Astana's 2025 was a year of art and transformation. What's next for this thriving capital?

The image shows a map of Kazakhstan with the flag of the country in the center. The map is green...
The image shows a map of Kazakhstan with the flag of the country in the center. The map is green and yellow in color, with a white background.

Astana's 2025 cultural boom shines with theater triumphs and citywide progress

Astana's reputation as a cultural hub grew stronger in 2025, marked by high-profile events and artistic achievements. The city hosted Moscow Days in Astana, celebrating 25 years of partnership between the two capitals. Meanwhile, the Academic Russian Drama Theater named after Maxim Gorky saw a year of creativity, with actress Svetlana Fortuna playing a key role in multiple premieres.

The Moscow Days in Astana festival highlighted the deep ties between the two cities. During the event, Svetlana Fortuna received a special award for her contributions to cultural cooperation. Her work extended beyond acting, as she also launched Premiere with Us, a project blending professional performers with local residents, set to debut on January 8.

The theater itself thrived in 2025, adding five new productions to its repertoire. Fortuna starred in three of them: *Monsieur Jourdain, or Hollow in Velvet*, *Hedda Gabler*, and *Pick Up the Phone!*. Other notable premieres included *The Little Humpbacked Horse*, *The Miracle Worker*, and *Hedgehog's Joy*, expanding the theater's artistic range. Beyond the arts, Kazakhstan made strides in improving daily life. New schools and medical centres opened across the country, while nationwide internet access expanded. Large-scale tree-planting campaigns also took root, contributing to a greener environment. As the year drew to a close, Fortuna shared her New Year's wishes with the people of Kazakhstan. She hoped for health, warmth, and courage, along with peace in homes and safety for children. Her message also emphasised a stronger, more sustainable future for the nation.

The year 2025 left a lasting mark on Astana's cultural scene, with Svetlana Fortuna's projects and international collaborations standing out. The theater's new productions and the city's quality-of-life improvements reflected broader progress. With initiatives like Premiere with Us on the horizon, the coming year promises further growth in both arts and community well-being.

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