As part of the Sakhalin Oil and Gas Far Eastern Energy Forum, the Anton Chekhov Sakhalin International Theatre hosted the premiere of Gas Island, a documentary play celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Sakhalin-2 project.
This play, marking this significant milestone, narrates the origins and growth of the oil and gas industry in the Sakhalin Oblast, spotlighting the pivotal figures who contributed to these developments at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries.
The first audience to witness this performance comprised Sakhalin-2 project employees, project veterans, partners, representatives from Company’s contractors, and government officials.
“In this hall today, we have the core team of Sakhalin, as oil and gas form the heart of our economy and, subsequently, of our lives,” said Valery Limarenko, the Governor of the Oblast, in his welcoming address. “The 1990s were challenging for Sakhalin. It was during this period that Igor Farkhutdinov and his team supported the projoect, fundamentally transforming life on the island. We faced obstacles with new technologies and business practices – but we succeeded. Sakhalin Energy has fulfilled every expectation and remains the leader of the energy market. We are confident in Sakhalin’s future, and together, we are forging ahead!”
The play is grounded in real-life events from the island and nation in the 1990s, when the future of oil and gas projects in the Sakhalin Oblast was being decided. Gas Island captures the lives of ordinary Sakhaliners, while offering a great snapshot of the region’s history and exploring how the development strategy of the national economy was chosen.
Igor Farkhutdinov, first as Head of the Sakhalin Oblast Administration and later as Governor, is clearly recognisable in one of the composite characters in the play. His dedication to oil and gas projects during their early stages helped establish Sakhalin Oblast as a leader in advanced hydrocarbon production and a key hub in global offshore field development.
“This superb play captured the emotions of that era, allowing us to relive the realities of the last century within just 60 to 70 minutes,” remarked Roman Dashkov, Chief Executive Officer of Sakhalin Energy, at the conclusion of the premiere. “While maintaining and expanding the project remains a considerable and demanding responsibility, it was even more arduous to propel it forward, converting potential energy into kinetic energy. This was accomplished by those who initiated the project 30 years ago. Today, our goal is to march forward with confidence and continue our development. I am certain that, with the tremendous experience accumulated over these 30 years, we can overcome any challenge that lies ahead!”
4 October 2024