S. S. Akhundov, A. Shaig — “Garaja Girl”
Age limit: 5+
Authors: S. S. Akhundov, A. Shaig
Stage Director: Jannat Salimova (People’s Artist)
Main cast: Honored Artists Gamar Mammadova, Elnur Bahramkhan, Mehriban Abdullayeva, Gular Nabiyeva; actors Zemfira Abdussamadova, Khalida Alimammadova, Rashad Safarov, Simuzar Agakishiyeva, Konul Abil, Asya Atakishiyeva, Nazrin Zeynalova, Anar Seyfullayev, Zumrud Guliyeva, Ramil Shamiloglu, Aygun Fatullayeva, Nurana Vagifgizi, Gulbeniz Latifova, Hilal Demirov
Genre: fairy-tale play
Duration: one act, 1 hour
“Garaja Girl” is one of the stories from S. S. Akhundov’s famous “Scary Tales” series, which holds a significant place in the history of Azerbaijani literature. It is one of the most beloved and well-known works in the country. The story was adapted for the stage by the People’s Writer Abdulla Shaig together with the author. Since the 1940s, the play has been one of the most successful productions in the theatre’s repertoire.
The theatre presents the story through the eyes of modern youth, emphasizing its strong educational value. The main character, Tutu, loses her parents during an earthquake and is taken in by gypsies. Her life there is harsh—she is beaten, humiliated, and forced to earn money through suffering. Despite this, she becomes attached to Yasaman, the daughter of the gypsy family. Soon they are separated when Yasaman runs away with the man she loves.
Later, a wealthy landowner, Huseyngulu Agha, finds Tutu during a hunt and brings her to his home. His only daughter, Agja, bored by loneliness and a sheltered life, befriends Tutu. Although their living conditions differ greatly, the girls grow close and care deeply for one another. However, Agja’s mother, Perijahan Khanum, looks down on Garaja Girl and forbids the friendship. As a result, Tutu is placed under the care of Piri Baba, a poor but brave and kind-hearted man.
Garaja Girl remains loyal to friendship until the very end. She does not hesitate to sacrifice her life to save Agja. Having saved her friend from death, Garaja Girl passes away. The play instills values such as kindness, honesty, courage, and loyalty in children, guiding them toward the right path. The message conveyed by both the author and the production is clear: modern youth should be sincere, devoted, and true friends—just like Garaja Girl.
