Kazan, Russia – May 20, 2025
“On the fabulous bank of the Kazanka, in rare moments the world reveals its soul, and then you understand that all the pain, all the doubts were just a shadow on the path to this light.”
The Kazansk Poetic Theater “Dialog” hosted a captivating literary and theatrical event titled “Egyptian Nights” on May 20th at 16:00, taking place at the Museum of A. M. Gorky and F. I. Shalyapin in Kazan.
This special poetic etude drew inspiration from the legendary “Arabian Nights” and the modern Arabic literary masterpiece “Sixty Love Letters to Her” by renowned Egyptian poet Ashraf Aboul-Yazid Dali, as translated into Russian by poet Eldar Akhadov.
Blending classical Arabic themes with contemporary poetic emotion, “Egyptian Nights” promises an evening of romance, mystery, and cultural enchantment. The performance featured prominent figures of Russian literature and theater, including Eldar Akhadov, whose translations bring the sensual and philosophical depth of Arabic poetry to Russian-speaking audiences.
The production “Egyptian Nights” is an elegant fusion of Eastern poetry, philosophy, music, and theater. At the heart of the performance are the poems of Ashraf Dali, translated by Eldar Akhadov, intricately woven into the classic narrative of “One Thousand and One Nights.”
The director’s vision transforms the familiar tale of Scheherazade into a profound etude on feminine wisdom, love, and the power of the word.
Ashraf Dali’s poems sound like incantations—concise, sensual, and rich in metaphor. Their recitation becomes not just a poetic reading, but a nearly ritualistic act. Particularly striking are the love letters, where each stanza is a miniature parable.
- Yulia Guryanova (Scheherazade) faces a complex role: she must be a wise storyteller, a loving sister, and a clever diplomat all at once. The actress conveys this complexity, gracefully balancing tenderness and confidence.
- Rafael Khafizov (Shahryar) portrays a king who is not merely a tyrant, but a man torn between cruelty and a longing for sincerity.
- The sisters (Vera Chernyshova, Olga Budrina, Nelli Kamaleeva) engage in dialogues on feminine wisdom that feel like guidance—delivered without excessive didacticism. Each embodies a different facet of womanhood.
“Egyptian Nights” is a meditative performance where poetry becomes a weapon against darkness. It is not only a story of salvation, but also a testament to how art can soften even the hardest of hearts.
Poetess Olga Levadnaya, who inspired the work, said that:
„The production leaves one with the sensation of having witnessed not merely a theatrical event, but an ancient ritual—where every word is a spell, and every poem a key to redemption. The event aimed to strengthen cultural dialogue between Russia and the Arab world by showcasing the universal power of poetry and love across time and geography. The audience witnessed a theatrical journey that spans centuries—from the tales of Scheherazade to the intimate verses of modern-day poetic confession.”
Admission was free, and all literature lovers, scholars, students, and members of the general public were warmly invited to attend.
