Aktobe's New Drama Theater to Open by Year's End After Presidential Push

A new theater building for the Tahaoui Akhtanov Drama Theater in Aktobe is set to open by the end of this year. The project follows a directive from President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, with funding secured through a government decree. The initiative aims to meet growing cultural demands in a city where the population has nearly doubled in recent years. The Kazakh government has allocated 8 billion tenge from its reserve fund for the construction. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov signed the official decree to release the funds, ensuring the project moves forward as planned.

The new theater will accommodate 700 spectators across a main auditorium and a smaller performance space. Modern rehearsal rooms and stage facilities will meet current theatrical standards, improving conditions for local artistic companies. Beyond the theater itself, the surrounding area will include leisure centres, a public park, and a stadium. This development aligns with broader state efforts to preserve cultural heritage, a priority outlined in Kazakhstan’s updated constitution. Last year alone, 61 new cultural facilities were built nationwide, while over 250 existing institutions underwent renovations under the president’s cultural initiatives.

Once completed, the theater will provide state-of-the-art facilities for performances and public events. The expanded infrastructure reflects Aktobe’s growing population and the government’s commitment to enhancing cultural access. The project is expected to strengthen the region’s artistic scene by the end of 2024.