Well-known Kazakh actress Bizhamal Kemalova dies
Decades on the theater stage
The theater said Bizhamal Kemalova joined the troupe in the early 1980s and devoted almost her entire creative life to the stage.
“Actress of the Saken Seifullin Karaganda Regional Academic Kazakh Drama Theater Bizhamal Kemalova has died after a long and serious illness,” the theater said in a statement.
Colleagues recalled that Bizhamal Kemalova was a cultural figure of Kazakhstan, a recipient of the state medal “Eren enbegi ushin,” and one of the veterans of the theater community who stood at the origins of the Kalibek Kuanyshbayev Kazakh National Music and Drama Theater in Astana.
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The theater noted that over the years, the actress created dozens of stage characters, portraying Kazakh girls, women, mothers and grandmothers on stage.
“An actress who developed her own style and acting mastery, she was the pride of our theater and a wise mentor for young artists. We express our sincere condolences to her relatives, loved ones and family,” the statement said.
What roles Bizhamal Kemalova played
Over the years of her stage career, Bizhamal Kemalova performed many roles. Among the most famous were:
Biganym in the play Dosymnyn uilenuy;
Morzhan in the production Karagoz;
Suyimkan in the play Gashyktyn tili;
Voronkova in the production Kairan zhas dauren;
Akdidar in the play Akku sezim;
Shahrabanu in Monsieur Jordan;
Miss York in the play Tange tusken raushangul.
The theater emphasized that the stage characters she created will forever remain part of the history of Kazakh theatrical art.
What is known about the actress
Bizhamal Dalabayevna Kemalova was born on December 16, 1958. In 1983, she graduated from the Almaty State Institute of Theater and Art with a degree in drama theater and film acting.
For many years, the actress served at the Saken Seifullin Karaganda Regional Academic Kazakh Drama Theater, where she became one of the troupe’s leading actresses and a mentor to younger colleagues.
Kazakhstanis’ reaction
After the publication of the news of the actress’s death, dozens of comments with condolences appeared under the theater’s post.
Former students and colleagues remembered Bizhamal Kemalova as a talented actress, teacher and kind-hearted person.
“Bizhamal-apai was our teacher, a very bright person. A strong motivator, an educated mentor and a talented actress,” one social media user wrote.
Other commenters noted her kindness and professionalism and expressed words of support to the actress’s family and loved ones. Many called her a “wonderful actress” and a “talented person” and wished her relatives strength to endure the loss.