National Theater of Kalmykia Opens Udmurtia Tour With "Arash"

The B. Basangov National Drama Theater opened a tour in Izhevsk, Udmurtia, with the play "Arash." Artistic director Boris Mandzhiev spoke before the performance about Kalmykia's history and the fate of the Kalmyk people, and said cultural contact starts with simple interest in one another.

Vladimir Nevostruev, chairman of the State Council of the Udmurt Republic, presented the company with a citation for strengthening intercultural ties. Mandzhiev gave a gift from Kalmykia in return. RIA said "Arash" tells a tragic chapter of Kalmyk history and that the audience kept the cast on stage with a long ovation.

The performance was a role premiere in Udmurtia for actress Delgr Goryaeva, who played Arash. The tour is part of the federal "Bolshie Gastroli" program. About 40 company members brought three productions with full sets, costumes, and props. The first day also included a visit to a small-arms museum and a press conference with Udmurt National Theater chief director Aleksei Lozhkin and Kalmyk actresses Karina Chimidova and Bairta Sanzhieva.