THE ABDUCTION OF THE MAIDEN

THE ABDUCTION OF THE MAIDEN (Kyz Urlau), a comedy. Written in 1958 by M.Karim. The play consists of three acts. A comical conflict develops during the celebration of the local ethnic Sabantuy holiday. During the festivities, young people start playing various games and get ready for competitions. Song and dance contests are organized, while old people sit around remembering their youth. One of the main characters, a certain Azhmagul colorfully describes how, in his youth, he adroitly kidnapped his now old wife. The same idea ignites his friend Kutluahmet to action. He suddenly decides to steal Yamilya, the most beautiful girl in the village, on the day of the holiday. The idea is picked up by his friends, who consider it appropriate to honor the observance of ancient rites of getting a bride by kidnapping. However, in confusion. instead of Yamilya, they kidnap Unganbik, Azhmagul’s old wife. The play is characterized by accuracy and imagery of the language and the abundance of ethnic humor. The colorful description of the characters of the play aims to reflect certain aspects of the mentality of the Bashkir people. The performance premiered in 1958 at the Bashkir Drama Theatre (directed by V.G.Galimov and S.M.Kalimullin. The musical composition was created by T.S.Karimov). Literary translation into Russian was done by Y.A.Kozlovsky.