One of the highlights of the first day of Culture Week 2025, which was solemnly opened in Ahal velayat, was the performance of the play "Şükür bagşy."

The theatrical production, staged by the theater-studio collective of Kaka etrap, draws inspiration from the book by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero Arkadag, titled "Bakhshi – Harbingers of People's Happiness." The book illuminates the multifaceted art of the bakhshi, presenting it as an embodiment of high professionalism rooted in centuries-old artistic traditions.

The plot of the play, telling about events at the end of the 19th century, is dedicated to the idea of peace and trust. It narrates the story of a renowned Turkmen musician who, upon learning about his brother’s captivity, sets off alone with his dutar to a foreign land. Thanks to his virtuoso skill in playing the musical instrument, he conquers his opponents, wins a contest, and achieves his brother’s release.

The actors of the theater-studio, fully immersing themselves in their characters, delivered a spectacular performance.

"It is a great honor for us, the studio workers, to take on the baton of Culture Week. Our actors are of different ages, but all are devoted to theater. A bright, original collective has formed, capable of solving large creative tasks," noted the director of Kaka etrap theater-studio, Toyly Gurbangeldiyev. "The play 'Şükür bagşy' vividly illustrates the peaceful foreign policy, the foundations of which were laid by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero Arkadag, and are successfully continued under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov."

Culture Week, timed to coincide with the Day of Workers of Culture and Art as well as the poetry of Magtymguly Fragi, continues. It includes concerts, exhibitions, screenings of new films, methodological meetings, seminars, a media forum, creative meetings, and poetry evenings.