Kyzykchi

Kyzykchi

 

or maskharabozy, actors of the Uzbek folk theater. They are mentioned in medieval sources, but their art flourished at the turn of the 20th century. Their improvisational performances were mostly comical and satirical; music and dance were organic components. The acting of the kyzykchi was characterized by a synthetic quality and theatrical conventions. Outstanding comic actors came to prominence through the folk theater, and its traditions influenced the development of Soviet Uzbek theater, particularly the genre of national musical drama.