Russia–Nepal Theatre Week Opens in Kathmandu to Mark 70 Years of Diplomatic Relations
Dragon Media News Desk
Russia–Nepal Theatre Week officially opened at the Russian House in Kathmandu on September 18 as part of celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Russia. The cultural event, organized primarily by Nepal’s Shaili Theatre, aims to strengthen artistic cooperation and cultural understanding between the two countries.
Nepal’s Minister for Information and Communications, Bikram Timalsina, addressed the opening ceremony. The event was also attended by Brajesh Khanal, Chancellor of the Nepal Academy of Music and Drama; Rinchen Rakshaev, Minister-Counsellor at the Russian Embassy in Nepal; and Anastasia Khokhlova, Head of the Russian House in Kathmandu.
The theatre week opened with a performance of “Swan Song,” a one-act play by renowned Russian playwright Anton Chekhov. The production was directed by Nabaraj Budhathoki, head of Shaili Theatre, while Mahesh Paudyal translated the original work into Nepali.
Veteran Nepali theatre artist Sunil Pokharel and actress Sabbu Gurung performed in the production, bringing one of Chekhov’s celebrated dramatic works to Nepali audiences in their own language. Their performance highlighted the role of theatre in connecting literary traditions and promoting artistic exchanges across national and linguistic boundaries.
The Russian Embassy in Nepal expressed appreciation to everyone involved in organizing the event, particularly acknowledging the contributions of Sunil Pokharel and Sabbu Gurung.
Organized during a milestone year in Nepal–Russia relations, the theatre week provides an opportunity to deepen cultural engagement through literature, performing arts and creative collaboration. Such initiatives complement formal diplomatic relations by encouraging direct interaction between artists, cultural institutions and audiences, contributing to the continued development of friendship and people-to-people ties between Nepal and Russia.
