Russian House in Kathmandu launches Nepal-Russia theatre week to mark 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties

KATHMANDU: The Russian House in Kathmandu launched the Nepal–Russia Theatre Week on Friday to mark the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Russia and the 250th anniversary of the Bolshoi Theatre. The week‑long programme is organised by Shailee Theatre, a long‑time partner of the host institution.

The inauguration began with the traditional lighting of the lamps. Chief guest Minister of Information and Communication Dr Bikram Timilsina attended alongside special guest Brajesh Khanal, Chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Music and Drama, and Rinchen Rakshaev, Minister‑Counsellor of the Russian Embassy in Nepal. Anastasia Khokhlova, head of the Russian House in Kathmandu, emphasised the importance of the anniversary year for bilateral cultural ties.

In his address, Minister Timilsina said Anton Chekhov has been his favourite author since his student days and characterised the staging as ‘a song about the artist’ — the tale of an artist searching for and finding himself. Rakshaev emphasised that theatre is a distinct way of life and congratulated attendees on continuing the tradition of celebrating the diplomatic anniversary.

The event opened with a production of Chekhov’s one‑act play ‘Swan Song’, presented in Nepali as ‘Antim Geet’. Nabaraj Budhathoki, President of Shailee Theatre, directed the performance, with the Nepali version by Mahesh Paudyal. Veteran Nepali actor Sunil Pokharel played the lead role, joined on stage by Sabbu Gurung. A line from the monologue of the ageing character Vasily Vasilyevich Svetlovidlov — ‘Bravo! Encore! Bravo! What the devil does age matter here!’ — captured the spirit of the evening. The play examines themes of memory, loneliness and enduring talent.

Public performances will be held from September 19 to 21, with shows twice daily at 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm at the Russian House in Kathmandu.

Following this, the programme will feature ‘Bhavamalli’, an original Nepali play written by Mahesh Paudyal and directed by Nabaraj Budhathoki. It features Shailee Theatre actor Aakash Bhujel Jaisi and other artists, supported by live musical accompaniment from the Music Department of Padmakanya Multiple Campus.

Diplomatic ties between Nepal and Russia were established in 1956, and cultural exchange has remained a primary bridge of friendship between the two nations over the past 70 years.