THE BLACK-FACED ONES

THE BLACK-FACED ONES (aka Chernolikiye, the Dark Complexioned, Kara Yozzer), a story‑novel. Written in 1926 by M.Gafuri. A first person narration about the tragic fate of some young people at the end of the 19th century. The character of Galima, who fell in love with Zakir, reflects the powerless position of a woman who has become a hostage to, and a victim
of Islamic dogmas. The religious fanaticism as well as human vice in general, lead to a crisis and a great tragedy — the girl losing her life. The conflict begins when Sharia rules are interpreted in the interests of individuals. The author raises the topic of the need for humanism and human values. The young people act as a protest against the creators of the sinister laws of life, a mirror reflection of the evil nature of certain people. The story was a major work of critical realism in the Bashkir literature of the Soviet era. Based on this story‑novel, a play was created and presented at the Bashkir Drama Theatre (1938; directed by V.G.Galimov, script by G.Amiri), as well as a ballet performance which was done on the stage of the Opera and Ballet Theatre (1965; staging by H.S.Zaimov in coauthorship with A.G.Chugayev. adaptation by N.G.Kanin and K.F.Mustaev). Also, based on the story, a puppet play Galima (1980; directed by A.B.Baranov) was performed at the local Puppet theatre. Literary translation into Russian was done by H.Nasibullin.