Yanka Kupala Theatre, Azerbaijan National Drama Theatre signed memorandum on co-operation
The Yanka Kupala National Academic Theatre and the Azerbaijan National Drama Theatre are starting bilateral co-operation in the cultural sphere. The official agreement – signed on December 19th at the Belarusian theatre – will encourage more active interaction between institutions and the exchange of experience, with the two theatrical companies already planning tours, joint projects and master classes.
The signing of the memorandum on co-operation between the national theatres of Belarus and Azerbaijan is a landmark event. The agreement will strengthen friendship between Minsk and Baku and help organise joint contests and festivals. Belarus’ First Deputy Culture Minister Dmitry Shlyakhtin sees it as a starting point for a close cultural dialogue, “The memorandum opens new horizons for our countries. Many interesting and important things lie ahead both for our theatre audiences and for artists. The institutions will definitely grow with new projects. The artists will establish closer professional contacts and, I am sure, will give master classes for their colleagues, because we have a lot to learn from each other. The beginning has been made today. Very soon the management of the theatres will outline the necessary vectors, and projects will be underway in Minsk and Baku.”
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Belarus Maharram Aliyev assured that both sides would mutually enrich their experience; there are all prerequisites for this.
“Our countries have always been close in terms of culture. Despite the difference in mentalities, we have the same values and understanding of how to build relationships. We would like the memorandum to allow them to reach a qualitatively new level. We need to think seriously about how we can be useful to each other, not be afraid to take the initiative and go hand in hand. Azerbaijanis and Belarusians are similar in their aspiration for creation. And there is not the slightest doubt that the cultural interaction between the two theatres will be harmonious and productive,” the diplomat emphasised.
As a first step towards rapprochement, Baku is going to show the Yanka Kupala Theatre’s hallmark: Paulinka, as well as productions that demonstrate the powerful palette of Belarusian national culture, starting from The Black Lady of Nesvizh drama and The Evening tragicomedy (based on Aleksei Dudarev’s play) to last year’s high-profile premiere: The Yard of My Childhood.
