“This is an important part of the cultural dialogue between Russia and Belarus”On June 6, the Days of Belarusian Culture in Russia opened at the Et Cetera Theater.

Alla Manilova, State Secretary, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, opened the Days of Belarusian Culture in Russia. She emphasized that she was particularly glad to welcome Belarusian guests, a large Belarusian delegation in the very heart of Moscow, marking the 250th anniversary of the unity of the Russian and Belarusian peoples. “June 6 is the birthday of Alexander Pushkin and today the Yanka Kupala National Theater, named after the great Belarusian poet, playwright, symbol of Belarusian culture, who admired Alexander Pushkin, a symbol of Russian culture, and translated Pushkn’s The Brass Horseman into Belarusian, is staging a show!” said A. Manilova. She expressed her gratitude to the Et Cetera Theater hosting the Days of Belarusian Culture and thanked the Ministry of Culture of Belarus, personally Minister Anatoly Markevich “for the holiday that has been fraternally delivered by Belarus”.

Minister of Culture Anatoly Markevich greeted the Moscow audience and noted that the Belarusian artists were looking forward to this meeting, despite the distance of hundreds of kilometers. “We feel your hearts and a real sense of kinship of our souls,” the Minister said. The Days of Belarusian Culture in Russia is an important part of the cultural dialogue between our countries with no translation needed since we speak the same language, the language of art. Today, the Yanka Kupala National Theater is giving Paulinka, which is truly the hallmark of the oldest theater in Belarus. Art helps us send our creative greetings from millions of Belarusians who love and appreciate Russia as a true ally and as a true friend of the country.

Before the performance, folklore ensembles Zbitsen of the Gomel Regional Philharmonic and Shchodrytsa of the Minsk Palace of Culture were playing at a mini concert held in the crush-room of the Et Cetera Theater. The Hymn to the Theatre exhibition telling the history of professional theatrical art in Belarus during the 20th – early 21st centuries, associated with the Yanka Kupala National Theater, opened to the public.

On June 7, as part of the Days of Belarusian Culture at the Et Cetera Theater, Marriage directed by Daniil Filippovich is given. The program tells about classical Belarusian theater, achievements in cinema (the opening of Belarusian Cinema Days at the Central House of Cinematographers on June 7), and famous Belarusian artists (an exhibition to open on June 7 in the New Tretyakov Gallery).

The events are held with support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Belarus. They were organized by Federal State Budgetary Institution of Culture ROSCONCERT.