Kathmandu, Sept 18: The Russian House in Kathmandu officially launched the Nepal–Russia Theatre Week, dedicated to two major anniversaries: the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Russia and the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Bolshoi Theatre. The week-long programme is organised by Shailee Theatre, a long-standing partner of the Russian House.

The opening ceremony was attended by Chief Guest Dr Bikram Timalsina, Minister of Information and Communications of Nepal; Special Guest Brajesh Khanal, Chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Music and Drama; Guest Rinchen Rakshaev, Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of Russia in Nepal; as well as theatre and cultural figures and invited guests. The programme began with the traditional lighting of the panas, followed by welcome addresses.

The head of the Russian House, Anastasia Khokhlova, spoke about the significance of this anniversary year for bilateral cultural ties. In his address, Dr Timalsina shared that Chekhov has been his favourite author since his student days, describing the performance on stage as “a song about the artist” – a story of an artist who searches for and finds himself. Rinchen Rakshaev, in turn, emphasised that theatre is a special way of life and congratulated everyone on continuing the tradition of marking the anniversary of diplomatic relations.

The week opened with a production of Anton Chekhov’s one-act play “Swan Song” (in Nepali – “Antim Geet”), directed by Nabaraj Budhathoki, President of Shailee Theatre. Translation by Mahesh Paudyal, Advisor to Shailee Theatre. The lead role was performed by the doyen of Nepali theatre, Sunil Pokharel, with Sabbu Gurung as his stage partner.

“Bravo! Encore! Bravo! What the devil does age matter here!” – this line by the ageing actor Vasily Vasilyevich Svetlovidlov from Chekhov’s monologue could well have been the motto of the entire evening. “Swan Song” is a story about memory, loneliness and talent that knows no age, understandable to audiences in any country.

Public performances will run from 19 to 21 September, twice daily at 14:30 and 17:30, at the Russian House in Kathmandu.

Next in the week’s programme is “Bhavamalli”, an original Nepali play by Mahesh Paudyal, directed by Nabaraj Budhathoki, featuring Shailee Theatre actor Aakash Bhujel Jaisi and other artists, with musical accompaniment by the Music Department of Padmakanya Multiple Campus.

Nepal–Russia relations were established in 1956 – and for 70 years now, culture has remained one of the main bridges of friendship between our countries.