From Kirkuk To Russia: Salma Represents Kurdistan At Theatre Festival

PUKMEDIA

Kurdish Play Salma To Be Staged In Russia On 20 August.

The Kurdish play Salma, which explores the Halabja chemical attack, the Anfal campaign and the mass exodus of the people of Kurdistan, is representing Kurdistan and Iraq at the Ostrovsky Fest Theatre Festival in Kineshma, Russia.

The production, staged by the Hawar Theatre Group from Kirkuk, will be performed in Kurdish on 20 August 2026 as part of the festival, which is being held in Russia’s Ivanovo Region.

Nazhad Najm, director and head of the Hawar Theatre Group, told PUKMEDIA that the group is the sole representative of Kurdistan and Iraq at the festival.

“As the Hawar Theatre Group from Kirkuk, we are participating as the sole representative of Kurdistan and Iraq in the Ostrovsky Fest Theatre Festival, held in Kineshma, in Russia’s Ivanovo Region,” Najm said.

The festival features 16 productions, with theatre groups from more than 10 countries taking part. It began on 18 August and will run until 24 August.

Najm said the group is presenting Salma, written by Dr Dilshad Mustafa, with scenography and direction by Najm himself.

“The production has previously been performed in several languages across Arab countries and in Paris. This time, however, it is being performed in Kurdish in Russia,” he said.

Salma is competing alongside 15 other productions and will be staged by the Hawar Theatre Group on 20 August.

The play portrays three major tragedies in Kurdish history: the Halabja chemical attack, the Anfal campaign and the mass exodus of the people of Kurdistan.

Najm said the production had to be significantly adapted for its presentation in Russia because of visa and ticketing difficulties.

The original production has a cast and crew of more than eight people, but only three members of the group were able to travel to Russia. The play was originally performed by two actors, while a French actor who was due to take part was also denied a visa.

As a result, the Russian performance will feature a single Kurdish actress performing in Kurdish, accompanied by a musician, with Najm serving as director and scenographer.

Najm also highlighted the support the group received for its participation in the festival.

“The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan supported us financially and morally through Aso Mamand and its Political Bureau in Kirkuk. Producer Yaqub Najmaddin and Khala Omed also provided assistance,” he said.


PUKMEDIA