The Russian House in Kathmandu launched Nepal-Russia Theatre Week on Friday, marking 70 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries alongside the 250th anniversary of Russia's Bolshoi Theatre.
Organized by Shailee Theatre in partnership with the Russian House, the week-long program opened with a Nepali adaptation of Chekhov's one-act play "Swan Song" continuing a cultural exchange the two institutions have built over the year's anniversary celebrations.
The opening ceremony drew Information and Communications Minister Dr. Bikram Timalsina as chief guest, along with Nepal Academy of Music and Drama Chancellor Brajesh Khanal and Russian Embassy Minister-Counsellor Rinchen Rakshaev. The evening's centerpiece, "Antim Geet" (the Nepali title for "Swan Song"), was directed by Shailee Theatre president Nabaraj Budhathoki, translated by Mahesh Paudyal, and starred veteran actor Sunil Pokharel alongside Sabbu Gurung.
"Swan Song" runs publicly September 19–21, twice daily, at the Russian House. The week continues with "Bhavamalli," an original Nepali play by Mahesh Paudyal.
This builds on the Russian House's broader 2026 anniversary programming, including an August 30–31 ballet-and-folk production with Bolshoi choreographer Ekaterina Chernykh that drew roughly 1,000 attendees and directed part of its proceeds to flood relief.
Russian House head Anastasia Khokhlova spoke of the anniversary year's significance for bilateral cultural ties.
The steady cadence of joint programming this year signals a genuine deepening of Nepal-Russia cultural ties beyond routine diplomatic ceremony.
