Kasymaly Jantoshev (1904-1968)
Kasymaly Jantoshev, regarded as one of the most important foundational Kyrgyz writers, wrote novels and plays, helped educate farmers, and set the groundwork for modern theater in Kyrgyzstan.
Jantoshev, born into a poor family in what was then the Russian Turkestan, was apparently inspired to start writing after listening to his aunt recount folk stories.
Like many of his contemporaries, folkloric themes come into play in Jantoshev’s writing. His play, “In One House” has been called “a fairytale for adults”. Other works like “Kurmanbek” are actually spinoffs of folk stories.
Jantoshev also took explicit political stances in his writing that was about the modern day. He wrote about collectivization and class struggle, and many of his protagonists are communists. His popular adventure novel, “Kanybek”, is about a hero who experiences slavery and social oppression, then fights against the regime and establishes a socialist Soviet rule.
Jantoshev’s later work moved away from politics and took on a more introspective style, focusing on characters’ emotions and insecurities.
Jantoshev, a bold and prolific playwright and screenwriter, set up a theater culture in Kyrgyzstan that currently thrives on modern work while honoring his groundbreaking writing.
