The IX-th International Theatre Festival "Nauruz" opens in Kazan

The IX International Theatre Festival ‘Nauruz’ opened Wednesday June 3 in Kazan. A ceremony of monument’s unveiling to one of the Tatar theatre founders – Ilyas Kudashev-Ashkazarsky was held at the hall of Tatar State Academy Theatre named after G. Kamal. Tatarstan Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of Culture Zilya Valeeva participated in the event.

“Today is a great theatrical holiday. It is symbolical that on this day we open the monument to Kudashev-Ashkazarsky – his 125th anniversary is celebrated in 2009. We give respect to the person who founded the Tatar theatre,” Zilya Valeeva said. She reminded that it was Kudashev-Ashkazarsky who had worked with the first Tatar theatrical companies, including the famous ‘Sayar’. His granddaughter – Nazira-khanum attended the opening ceremony.

Russia’s Minister of Culture Alexander Avdeyev has cabled words of welcome telegram to the guests and participants of ‘Nauruz’ festival. The letter states that the festival is aimed at supporting and developing traditions of all Turkic nations.

In order to maintain a heart-to-heart atmosphere, a jury work and awarding prizes in nominations have been removed from the programme. The collegium of theatrical critics includes leading experts in theatrical art form Russia, the CIS and far abroad.

A roundtable discussion on topical issues of Turkic nation’s dramaturgy and directing will be held in the end of the festival.