National Library of the Republic of Tatarstan Library Resources Electronic Library Artists and Arts of the RT: Directories Karim Tinchurin. The bio-bibliographic directory Karim Tinchurin's Biography

Karim Tinchurin's Biography

The outstanding actor and director of classic Tatar dramatic art, Karim Galievich Tinchurin, was born on September 15, 1887, in the village of Tarakanovo (now called Belozerka) in the Penza area, into a peasant family. After he received his initial formation in the next village, he came to Kazan in 1900 to study acting at Muhammadiya School. Here he studied for six years and engaged in much self-education. In 1906, he wrote his first production, a comedy called, "Monazara." In 1906, with his studies still incomplete, he left Muhammadiya together with a group of students dissatisfied with the school.
In 1910, Tinchurin was accepted into an acting troupe called, "Saiyar," under G. Karieva's management. From this point on, he entirely devoted himself to the stage, becoming one of the organizers of the Tatar theatre. In this large and complex business, his versatile talent grew brightly. Through his work in the theatre he proved himself as an actor, a director, a playwright, a theorist and as the head of the troupe. As part of his theatrical repertoire, Tinchurin wrote the plays, "Fair Work" (1910), "The Fatal Step" (1910-1912), "First and Flowers" (1913), and others. In 1918, Tinchurin was appointed the head of the troupe Saiyar.
During the civil war Tinchurin was the main director of the 13th troupe concerning political management of the Red Army. In 1920, he was a teacher at a drama school and the main director in Samara. In 1921, he was the head of The Orenburg Theatrical Company, named after G. Karieva. In 1922, he worked in the Theatrical Department of the Academic Council in Tashkent. On November 8, 1922, The Tatar State Theatre (now called The G. Kamal Tatar State Academic Theatre) opened in Kazan under Tinchurin's management. During these years Tinchurin actively developed his journalistic and dramatic creativity.
Tinchurin's major contribution to his creative heritage as a playwright consists of his satirical plays. Especially loved from his satirical productions are, "Yusuf - Zuleiha," "Watch out! It Will Blow Up," "The American," and "Without Sails." From the middle of the 1920's Tinchurin's creative activity became focused on musical dramas from which he enjoyed large success. Songs created by S. Sajdashevym for the dramas, "The Blue Shawl," "Native Land," "In Kandra," and, "Kazan Cloth," are pearls of Tatar music. Tinchurin was a master of stories. He created the production called "The Corals," consisting of thirty tales and short stories.
In the history of national culture, Tinchurin is known as a great innovative director. He placed plays within his plays. In his scenic creations he always aspired for self-expression in his created images. He aspired to express the spirit of the centuries. Karim Tinchurin's productions and his director's school have brought up more than one generation of Tatar actors. In 1926, K.Tinchurin was awarded the honorary title, "Honored Artist of Tatarstan." In 1934, he was accepted as a members of the Union of Writers.
On September 17, 1937, Tinchurin was arrested and on November 15, 1938, he was executed. In 1956, he was exonerated. His books began to be re-issued and his plays were allowed to gain new interest. Traditionally, each theatrical season, The G. Kamal Tatar State Academic Theatre opened a melodrama with, "The Blue Shawl." In 1988, Kazan awarded Karim Tinchurin for his theatrical drama and comedy.