Nepal–Russia Theatre Week Opens in Kathmandu to Mark Historic Milestones

EDUCAST, On 18 September 2026, the Russian House in Kathmandu officially launched the Nepal–Russia Theatre Week, a cultural celebration commemorating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Russia, alongside the 250th anniversary of the founding of the Bolshoi Theatre. The week-long programme was organized by Shailee Theatre, a long-standing partner of the Russian House, to highlight the enduring cultural bridges between the two nations. The opening ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the panas and brought together a host of distinguished guests, theatre figures, and cultural representatives.

The event 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; and Guest Rinchen Rakshaev, Minister-Counsellor of the Embassy of Russia in Nepal.During the welcome addresses, Anastasia Khokhlova, head of the Russian House, highlighted the deep significance of this anniversary year for bilateral cultural ties. Dr. Timalsina shared that Anton Chekhov has been his favorite author since his student days, beautifully describing the on-stage performance as “a song about the artist” that depicts the journey of an artist searching for and finding himself.

Rinchen Rakshaev further emphasized that theatre represents a special way of life and congratulated attendees on continuing the proud tradition of marking the anniversary of diplomatic relations.The theatre week opened with a profound production of Anton Chekhov’s one-act play Swan Song, adapted into Nepali as Antim Geet. Directed by Nabaraj Budhathoki, President of Shailee Theatre, and translated by the theatre’s Advisor Mahesh Paudyal, the play starred the doyen of Nepali theatre, Sunil Pokharel, in the lead role alongside stage partner Sabbu Gurung.

Capturing themes of memory, loneliness, and timeless talent that resonate across borders, the performance embodied the spirit of the aging actor Vasily Vasilyevich Svetlovidlov’s memorable line: “Bravo! Encore! Bravo! What the devil does age matter here!”Public performances for Antim Geet will run from 19 to 21 September, with shows twice daily at 14:30 and 17:30 at the Russian House in Kathmandu. Following this, the programme will present Bhavamalli, an original Nepali play written by Mahesh Paudyal and directed by Nabaraj Budhathoki. This subsequent production features Shailee Theatre actor Aakash Bhujel Jaisi alongside other artists, accompanied by live music from the Music Department of Padmakanya Multiple Campus. As the festival unfolds, it serves as a vivid reminder that since Nepal and Russia established ties in 1956, culture has consistently remained one of the primary bridges of friendship between the two countries for seventy years.#RussianHouse #Nepal #TheatreWeek #Chekhov #RussiaNepal70