Lakerbay, Mikhail Alexandrovich

Abkhazian writer, playwright, and theater expert.

Born January 6 (19), 1901, in the settlement of Merkheuli, now Gulripshsky County, Abkhazia. Started publishing his works in 1919. In 1921 thru 1925, was co-editor of the first Abkhazian Soviet newspaper Apsny kapsh (The Red Abkhazia). IN 1929, graduated from Law and Economics Department of Tbilisi Polytechnic Institute; in 1937, graduated from Higher Theatrical Courses in Moscow. Participated in the Great Patriotic War from 1941 to 1945. Authored the comedies Offspring Gechey (1939, staged in 1940) and In Sabydy Gully (1940, staged in 1941), historic drama Danakay (1946-1947, staged in 1956) and other, as well as librettos of operas, operettas, and music comedies. Most famous for his novellas. Laconic, nationally bright, and full of humor, they reflect the life of the Abkhaz people both before the October Revolution and in the Soviet times.

M.A. Lakerbay died on October 15, 1965, in Moscow.

Compositions:

Abkhazian Novellas. Moscow, 1961.

Essays on the History of Abkhazian Performing Arts. Sukhumi, 1962.

The One Who Killed the Fallow-Deer. Sukhumi, 1966.

With a Handful of the Native Land. Novellas. Moscow, 1972.