The festival was opened by the Dushanbe State Republican Puppet Theater (Tajikistan), which presented the performance “Navruz in the Land of Ajam” on the stage of the Turkmen State Puppet Theater. This was reported by the information agency “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”.

The production introduced the audience to the atmosphere of an oriental bazaar, where the festive celebration unfolded. The performers presented musical and dance numbers, stilt-walking acts, a scene featuring cockfighting, and a baby camel dance. The audience also learned about the preparation of traditional Navruz dishes — Tajik pilaf and sumanak. At the end of the performance, the artists treated the audience to sweets.

The performance was hosted by actor H. Salimov, who has 40 years of stage experience. Iskander Bukhariev and director Yulia Moskalevich also took part in the production.Translation:

The Artistic Director of the State Republican Puppet Theatre of Dushanbe, Iskander Bukhariev, noted that the troupe had the honor of opening the festival in Ashgabat.

According to the director, the theatre is participating in theatrical events in the Turkmen capital for the second time. Iskander Bukhariev also emphasized the importance of such festivals for artists and audiences. Bukhariev recalled that recently, at the VIII International Theatre Festival in Tajikistan, Turkmen puppeteers presented the performance «Tale of the Times».

The production aroused interest among young spectators. Students of Ashgabat Music School No. 4 particularly highlighted the character of the baby camel and other vivid episodes of the performance.