S. Akhundov, A. Shaig "Blackish Girl"

Age limit: 8+

Author: S.S. Akhundov and A. Shaig

Director: Jannat Salimova (People’s Artist)

Lead actors: Asya Atakishiyeva, Nazrin Zeynalova, Anar Seyfullayev, Elnur Bahramkhan (Honored Artist), Zumrud Guliyeva, Aygun Fatullayeva

Genre: fairy tale play

Performance duration: 1 hour

One of the works by S.S. Akhundov, which left a deep mark on the history of Azerbaijani literature in the genre of short stories, is "Karaja Girl," part of the "Scary Tales" series. This story is one of the most famous and beloved works in our country. People's writer Abdulla Shaig, along with Akhundov, adapted this story for the stage. Since the 1940s, this play has been one of the most successful in the theater's repertoire.

The theater presented "Karaja Girl" to the audience, taking into account its educational significance and viewing the work through the eyes of modern youth.

The protagonist of the story, Tutu, loses her parents during an earthquake and is taken in by a gypsy family. Her life there is difficult, as she is mistreated and forced to work hard. However, she grows attached to the daughter of the gypsy family, Yasemin. Soon, however, she is separated from her when Yasemin elopes with her lover. When Tutu returns to find them, they are no longer at their old home.

A wealthy landowner, Husseinqulu Agha, finds Tutu while hunting and brings her to his home. His only child, Pari, who is tired of loneliness and her governesses, starts to befriend Tutu.

The stark contrast between the lifestyle of the elite and the simple folk leads to Karaja Girl's tragedy. Despite the differences in their living conditions, the girls show kindness to one another and try to stay together. However, Pari's mother, Perijan Khanum, disapproves of this friendship and separates them. As a result, Husseinqulu Agha sends Tutu to live with Piri Baba. Although poor, Piri Baba is brave and fears no one. He sincerely welcomes Karaja Girl and cares for her.

Karaja Girl remains loyal to her friendship. To save Pari’s life, she does not hesitate to sacrifice her own. After saving her friend from death, Karaja Girl dies.

The play instills positive values like kindness, honesty, and bravery in children, guiding them on the right path. Karaja Girl’s openness and loyalty to her friendship evoke deep sympathy. The message of both the author and the play is that modern youth should be as sincere, loyal, and true friends as Karaja Girl.