Askarbek Akylshauly Seilkhanov is a cultural and arts figure, a specialist in theatrical and television directing, Professor, Honored Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Honorary Journalist of Kazakhstan.
He is a Professor of the Department of Culture and Arts at M.Kh. Dulaty Taraz University.
From 1973 to 1995, he worked at the Nartai Bekezhanov Kyzylorda Regional Kazakh Drama Theatre, holding the positions of actor, Deputy Director, and Director.
In recognition of his many years of fruitful creative work, in 1990 he was awarded the honorary title “Honored Artist of the Republic of Kazakhstan.”
From 1995 to 2010, he held various positions at the Zhambyl Regional Branch of JSC “RTRK Kazakhstan”, including director, editor, commentator-observer, and Deputy Director–Editor-in-Chief. He made a significant contribution to the development of regional television journalism and television directing.
From 2010 to 2013, he served as Director of the Zhambyl Regional Kazakh Drama Theatre.
Since 2006, he has been engaged in teaching activities at the Department of Culture and Arts of M.Kh. Dulaty Taraz State University, where he holds the position of Professor.
Within the educational process, he delivers lectures and practical classes for undergraduate students and actively participates in the professional training of future directors and actors.
In his creative and scholarly-methodological work, he explores issues of theatrical directing, acting skills, organization of mass cultural events, and television journalism.
He is the author and translator of dramatic works. Based on the short story “Altyn Balyk” by writer Nesipbek Dautayuly, he wrote a drama of the same title. He also translated the play “Adaskan Adam” by Kyrgyz playwright Mar Bayjiev under the title “Sümelek.”
He appeared in a feature film produced by Kazakhfilm Studio, which was awarded the State Prize.
Among his directing works are stage productions of:
– the lyrical drama “Qyz Zhiyrmaga Tolganda” by S. Balgabayev at the Zhambyl Regional Kazakh Drama Theatre;
– the historical dramas “Qaptan Shyqqan Qaraqyz” and “Baizak Batyr Bairagym” by B. Alimzhanov at the “Shakhan” Baizak District Folk Theatre;
– dramas by Ch. Aitmatov (“Betpe-bet”), D. Ramazan (“Kerei–Zhanibek”), and other productions.
He is also the stage director of a number of performances at the “M.Kh. Dulaty Youth Theatre” of M.Kh. Dulaty Taraz University.
In 2020, as part of the celebration of the 175th anniversary of the great Abai, he jointly implemented the television project “Qalyң Elim, Qazağym…” with the Zhambyl Regional TV Channel “Kazakhstan–Taraz.” Within the project, a series of video films based on Abai’s 45 Words of Edification was produced.
Education:
1968–1973 — Kurmangazy State Institute of Arts, major in Acting.
