The cultural stage of Ashgabat became the venue for the world premiere of the choreographic and digital show RITUALS—a unique artistic project blending the ancient traditions of Turkmenistan with contemporary dance and digital arts. The event on May 10 marked an important milestone in the development of cultural ties between Europe and Turkmenistan, the Delegation of the European Union to Turkmenistan reported.
The performance was the result of collaboration between French choreographer Jean-Marc Matos, Italian dancer and choreographer Margherita Bergamo, the State Dance Ensemble of Turkmenistan, and the State Dance Ensemble “Mengli.” RITUALS presented an artistic dialogue between European and Turkmen cultures.
The first part of the performance featured the traditional dance Kushtdepdi, inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It was performed by the folkloric ensemble Akjayar from Balkan velayat, where this ritual dance originates.
The project was organised in partnership with the Ministry of Culture of Turkmenistan, the Delegation of the European Union, the Embassies of France and Italy, and the Goethe-Institut in Kazakhstan, and was implemented by the French Institute in Turkmenistan. RITUALS became the first European cultural project in Turkmenistan to be selected as one of the most forward-thinking initiatives of 2025.
The project received additional support from the French-German Cultural Fund and the French Institute in Paris, highlighting the active engagement of European cultural communities in promoting intercultural exchange.
The performance RITUALS took place on 10 May at the Mukam Palace of the National Cultural Centre in Ashgabat. The event drew an audience of 700 people, who gathered to witness this remarkable fusion of tradition and innovation. Entry was free and open to the public, offering a unique opportunity for all to experience this outstanding cultural collaboration.
