The Lost Daughter (Kazakhstan) • Vabaduse festival

The performance “The Lost Daughter” explores the self-identification and social exclusion of repatriates, known as oralman, in Kazakhstan. In the 1990s, Kazakhs arrived from Mongolia, perceived as outsiders, called Mongols, and envied for the support they received. Only later did people begin to understand how difficult it was for them to integrate into society.

Based on both personal and academic research, the performance examines the connection between identity and language. Created in collaboration with curator and director Elena Kovalskaya, it raises the question: what does it mean to be a Kazakh woman who does not speak her native language?

Author, director and actor: Almira Ismailova