The V International Theatre Festival “Theatrical Art of a Happy Era” has opened in Ashgabat. According to the IIC of Turkmenistan, this year, the cultural forum brings together leading theatre companies from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Armenia and the Russian Federation.

The opening ceremony took place in the square in front of the Mollanepes Student Theatre and the Saparmurat Turkmenbashi Main Drama Theatre. Guests were welcomed with performances by folk groups and a thematic exhibition dedicated to theatrical art.

The festive programme continued with performances by international artists on the stage of the Main Drama Theatre. The performers presented theatrical sketches and humorous acts in various languages, demonstrating the ability of stage art to bring together representatives of different cultures.

Festival performances will be staged at leading theatres across the country. International companies will present their productions at the Alp Arslan National Drama Theatre, the Magtymguly Music and Drama Theatre, and the Aman Gulmammedov State Drama Theatre in the city of Arkadag.

The festival will provide a platform for audiences to discover the work of theatre companies from different countries, for actors and directors to exchange professional experience, and for further development of international cultural ties.