Mark Weil with two young actors during rehearsals

Even in the days of the USSR and one party state control, a small island of artistic freedom existed far away from Moscow in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent.

Founded by a Russian Jew, Mark Weil, the Ilkhom theatre was independent and proud of it. As the regime in Tashkent hardened it's line Mark Weil refused to compromise and continued to challenge the authorities with his work. Last year he was stabbed to death in the street.

For Assignment Natalya Antelava asks whether this radical endeavour can survive without its director in an environment that is becoming more and more repressive.



Listen to the programme