Theatre Association of the Republic of Adygea presented an event at the I.S. Tsey National Theatre that is already being called the cultural phenomenon of the year.
The play "A Handful of Earth" based on Bagrat Shinkuba's novel "The Last of the Departed" did more than simply transfer the literary work to the stage: it revived the memory of an entire people who disappeared off the world map.
The premiere took place on April 23 (in the Adyg language) and April 24, 2025 (in Russian). This is the first theatrical adaptation of the legendary novel in Adygea, carried out with amazing depth and respect for the material.
The director of the play, Konstantin Mishin, explains the concept as follows:
"We did not set ourselves the task of giving historical assessments or looking for the rights and wrongs. Our goal was different - to create a space of memory, where each viewer could feel a connection with those who are no longer here. This play is like that very handful of native soil that the exiles took with them. Everyone who comes to our play will take with them their own "handful" - a piece of this history."
At the heart of the story is the centenarian Zaurkan Zolak, the last of the departed Ubykhs who retained a clear memory of his people. A linguist scholar, Sharakh Kvadzba, moves into his house and records the old man's memories. Their dialogue becomes a bridge between the past and the present.
The role of the centenarian Zaurkan is played by People's Artist of the Republic of Adygea Teuchezh Takakho, and both Sharakh Kvadzba and the young Zaurkan are played by Honored Artist of the Republic of Adygea Rustam Achmiz.
Rustam Achmiz shares his impressions:
"I, just as my hero, gradually immersed myself in this story. Before us is the last native speaker, the last witness of an entire era. And if his voice falls silent, the whole world will disappear. This is an incredible responsibility for an actor."
Reviews of the performance are striking with their sincerity and depth.
Honored Worker of Culture of the RSFSR, Honored Artist of the Republic of Adygea and Krasnodar Region Amerbiy Kulov:
“It is made so professionally that the theater has been enriched with a new outstanding work. For the first time in a long time, I see something so deep and heartfelt on stage. The director’s work does not just enlighten — it raises the viewer to a new level of perception.”
People’s Artist of the Republic of Adygea, Honored Artist of the Chechen Republic Saniyat Agerzhanokova:
“This performance will serve as a reminder for everyone that we must not forget our language and our culture. When you watch this production, you understand: the loss of language is the loss of identity, the loss of yourself.”
Honored Artist of the Republic of Adygea, Honored Artist of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Honored Artist of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic Astemir Apanasov: “This performance can not be technically analysed in a usual way. It is made so vividly and truthfully that it touches the most delicate strings of the soul. After watching it, you are left with the feeling that you yourself have touched something eternal.”
“A Handful of Earth” is going to participate in the “Federation” festival
In September 2025, the performance will represent Adygea at the VI All-Russian Festival of National Theaters “Federation” in Grozny. The poster includes 12 of the best performances from all over Russia, selected by an expert council.
“A Handful of Earth” is a revelation performance. It makes you think about how easily entire worlds disappear, and how important it is to preserve your culture. This is not just a theatrical production, but the voice of those who are no longer here.
As director Konstantin Mishin said: "As long as we remember, they have not gone away completely."
And this is, perhaps, the main mission of this performance.
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