Creative Association KED

Or Kseniya and Evgeniy Drachukov

The collaboration of two creative and strong individuals, who have not only formed a team but also become the primary driving force behind the NPO ‘Art Shelter BUNKER.’ They produce projects and performances while also instructing students. There is much to say about each of them individually.

Drachukova (Kuteleva) Kseniya Aleksandrovna

Born on March 31, 1987, in Abay, Karaganda region. Residing in Almaty since 2002.

Graduated from School-Gymnasium No. 10 in Abay with honors in 2002; in 2004, completed studies at the Multidisciplinary School-Gymnasium of Arts No. 83 in Almaty; in 2008, graduated from the Central Asian University, majoring in Economics in Almaty with honors. In 2022, completed the “Drama Directing” program at the Yekaterinburg State Theater Institute, in N.V. Kolyada’s workshop. Additionally, received training at Borisova T.L.’s Theater Workshop (Karaganda, 1991-2002); Belyashkina V.’s Theater Studio (Nizhny Novgorod, 1999-2001); and from 2002 to 2013, attended theaters and acting studios in Almaty. From 2013, worked as an actress and director at the diWell Theater Studio in Almaty. Also graduated from a music school specializing in piano.

Participated in creative internships and cultural international programs, including the 2016 Golden Mask Festival in Moscow, the 2018 Forum of Art Managers in Central Asia in Bishkek, and the 2019 Lab of Young Directors in Tashkent.

Founded the Independent Experimental Theater “Art Shelter BUNKER” on August 14, 2014, in Almaty, the first theater in a bomb shelter. A civic theater addressing contemporary societal issues.

Over the past two years, engaged in creative work: acted in 11 plays, directed 5 plays; participated in local festivals such as 4E, ArtEnergy, ӨрiкФест, КipishБазар, ArtBatFest, COZYfest – staging performances, conducting master classes; worked on the first children’s radio StarKids and at the modeling agency “Ermitahz” – acting and oratory skills, speech technique. Involved in the creation of over 30 plays and more than a hundred performances during her time as both a manager and a creative force in the theater sphere. As a guest and participant, visited over ten international festivals and around thirty local events. Served as a jury member for theater festivals (“LaPrimavera”). Completed directing courses with Azamat Kaztaevich Abdildinov. Awards include best female and male roles, best directing, and the grand prize. Other achievements include a certificate from the High School Teachers European Society HISTES (Prague, Czech Republic) and participation in the “Stay True” play at the International Theater Festival HighFest (Yerevan, Armenia). Participated in the Almaty Chamber Theater Festival “Autumn”: grand prize (2016 and 2018), a personal certificate for a special contribution to the festival, and a nomination for “Devotion to the Festival.” Her monoplay “Hacked” received awards for “Best Directing” and “Best Male Role” (November 2022). Received appreciation from the “Rukhani Zhangyru” program, participated in the largest Eco-Ethno Festival 4E in Kazakhstan, among other achievements. Collaborated with UNESCO on organizing the International Day of Philosophy in Kazakhstan (2018) and the city project “Theater of Neighbors” for active participation in the project and contributions to the development of local communities in non-central areas of Almaty through creative and theatrical means. Involved in the International Theater Festival “Revelation” (verbatim STAY TRUE and a social drama as part of the group support “Dream”). In 2021-2022, participated in “KolyadaPlays” (“I (do not) love Almaty”). A member of the Council of Creative Industries under the Akimat of Almaty. The Art Shelter BUNKER is part of the Creative Central Asia Network. On February 14, 2021, she became a co-founder of the Creative Association “KED.” In May 2023, launched the “R.D.S.” (Director/Dramatist/Start) laboratory. In 2021, initiated the monthly project “Readings of Plays by Ural Playwrights” at BUNKER, aimed at popularizing the Ural School of Playwriting in Kazakhstan.

Drachokov Evgeniy Anatolevich

Born on October 19, 1990, in the city of Shymkent, South Kazakhstan region. Residing in Almaty since 2019.

Graduated in 2008 from the Slavic Humanitarian and Aesthetic School-Gymnasium No. 20 named after Herman Stepanovich Titov (Shymkent); in 2012, graduated from the University “Miras” (Shymkent, with honors).

From 2015 to 2016, worked as an actor at the South Kazakhstan Regional Russian Drama Theater. From 2016 to 2019, participated in the filming of short films, social videos, and music videos as a director, cinematographer, and art director. Since 2019 and up to the present, has been an actor, director-rehearsal director, and financial director at the Independent Experimental Theater “Art Shelter BUNKER.” From January 2022 to January 2024, temporarily served as the acting general director and director-stager.

Creative work in the last two years includes acting in 9 plays, directing-rehearsal directing in 4 plays, and directing-staging in 1 play. Participation in local and international festivals such as 4E, COZYfest, Kolyada-PLAYS – staging performances, conducting master classes, participating in performances and plays as an actor.

During the time in the theater sphere, participated in the creation of 18 plays and over 30 performances. Directed-staged four short films from 2019 to 2022, two of which participated in international mobile cinema festivals. Since February 14, 2021, a co-founder of the Creative Association “KED.”

In November 2022, received the “Best Male Role” award at the festival of chamber theaters in Almaty. In May 2022, participated in the “R.D.S.” (Director/Dramatist/Start) laboratory.