Baku:First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva attended the performance of Anton Chekhov’s play “The Seagull” presented by the Theatre of Europe from St. Petersburg, Russia, at the Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theatre. This event was part of the Baku International Arts Festival (BIAF 2026).
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the performance was attended by Mehriban Aliyeva along with her daughter Leyla Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva. The play was directed by Lev Dodin, a renowned figure in Russian theatre, known for receiving prestigious awards such as the Golden Mask. Alexander Borovsky was responsible for the set and costume design.
The production featured notable actors including Sergey Kuryshev, People’s Artist of Russia, as well as Honored Artists Elizaveta Boyarskaya and Igor Chernevich, among others. This celebrated interpretation of the classic play is part of the second edition of the Baku International Arts Festival, which runs until November 8.
The BIAF 2026, supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture, includes over 20 events such as concerts, ballet and theatre performances, film screenings, meet-and-greet sessions with artists, and masterclasses. The festival showcases artists and creative ensembles from Azerbaijan and other countries, including the United Kingdom, Israel, Canada, Russia, the United States, and France.