Azerbaijani Folk Tale "CırtdaNino"

Age restriction: 3+
Author: Parvin Nuraliyeva
Director: Elshad Rahimzade
Composer: Jahangir Zulfugarov
Lead roles performed by: Honored Artists Shafag Aliyeva, Mehriban Abdullayeva, Nasiba Eldarova, Elnur Huseynov, actors Asya Atakishiyeva, Zumrud Guliyeva, Ramil Mammadov, Hokuma Rahimzade, Aydan Hasan-zade, Huseyn Bayramov
Genre: allegory (fairy tale-play)
Duration: one-act, 50 minutes

The Azerbaijani folk tale "Cırtdan" tells the story of a clever young boy named Cırtdan who saves children from a mythical creature, the Div. Cırtdan is one of the most beloved characters in Azerbaijani folklore. Many recall the tale of how Cırtdan and his friends spent a night in the Div's house. At midnight, the Div entered the room and asked, "Who is asleep, who is awake?" To which Cırtdan replied, "Everyone is asleep, Cırtdan is awake." This phrase has become a popular saying, and parents often jokingly refer to their children as "Cırtdan."

Our play is dedicated to this cherished character. But what adventures await Cırtdan in our story?

Cırtdan ventures into the forest to gather firewood with neighboring children. On their way back, they lose their way in the dark. Following a light they see in the distance, they arrive at the Div's house. At night, the Div attempts to lure the children to eat them.

Nino and her companions from the Planet of Scholars come to the children's rescue. These benevolent aliens strive to establish peace on Earth and ensure the planet stays in its orbit. Nino saves Cırtdan and his friends, taking them to the Planet of Scholars, where they learn about science before safely returning home.

This fairy tale-play encourages protecting nature, loyalty in friendship, and the importance of knowledge and perseverance in the fight for good.