The Tatar National Theatre.

3-8 Oct 2006. The Riverside Studios host the Tatar National Theatre as part of the companys centenary celebrations. The Republic of Tatarstan lies about 800 km east of Moscow and is part of the Russian Federation. On 22 December 1906 the first professional theatre in the Muslim world opened with a performance in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan. This controversial event is the subject of the opening performance: First Theatre, a comedy written by Galiaskar Kamal, Tatarstans greatest playwright (3 & 4 Oct). The performance is followed by a concert of traditional music. Dumb Cuckoo (5-7 Oct) revolves around the dramatic meeting of two soldiers from opposing armies on the front line during the war between the USSR and Finland. The final show Iron Pea a Tatar nickname for a greedy, selfish person is a colourful fairytale for all the family (8 Oct). All performances are in Tatar. The audience will be provided with headsets for simultaneous translation. Admission 18, concessions 12. All three shows 30. Performances Tues-Sun at 19.45, matinee 8 Oct at 15.00.