The Tailless Rabbit

Rehearsals for another new production at the Azerbaijan State Puppet Theatre are nearing completion. This time, the puppeteers have turned to Nikolay Nikolayevich Lisin’s play “The Tailless Rabbit.” The one-act children’s performance of the same title, prepared based on the work rich in interesting and instructive events and adapted by translator Zumrud Guliyeva, will be presented to theatre lovers at the end of March. The production is directed by Mushfig Aliyev, with set design by Rena Abbasova. In the musically arranged stage production, the roles are performed by Honored Artist Jamilya Allahverdiyeva and actors Firuza Nasibli, Rahim Rahimov, Elnur Khalilov, Yusif Bakhshaliyev, and Mammadshah Tahmazov. Highlighting the ideas of self-confidence and not being ashamed of one’s individuality, the performance begins with the rabbit losing his tail due to carelessness and curiosity. Left without a tail, the protagonist feels ashamed and saddened, considering himself different from others and experiencing emotional distress. The mocking attitude of some animals and the support of others bring about serious changes in his inner world. As the story unfolds, the rabbit realizes that personal value is defined not by outward appearance, but by inner qualities and behavior. Presented as a psychological allegory, although the main conflict arises from an external event—the loss of the tail—it is ultimately resolved through the hero’s self-awareness and acceptance of himself as he is. The joy, anxiety, shame, and crisis stages experienced by the rabbit demonstrate his internal transformation. With a positive ending, the performance concludes as the rabbit regains his self-confidence and restores his joy of life with the help of his friends.