Kyrgyz professional theatre marks its centenary: national theatre festival on October 26–30 and a celebration on November 2

Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Culture, Information and Youth Policy has announced the programme marking 100 years of Kyrgyz professional theatre. It opens with the 14th Republican Theatre Festival on October 26–30, dedicated to the memory of Kyrgyz People's Hero and former culture minister Kuluipa Konduchalova; ten theatres chosen through a competition will each stage one play.

On October 29 Kyrgyz students studying at Russia's GITIS will perform at the Chingiz Aitmatov State National Russian Drama Theatre. Theatrical processions with concert programmes will be held in Bishkek parks, puppet shows will be staged in schools and kindergartens, and master classes to improve actors' skills will run at the T. Abdumomunov Kyrgyz National Academic Drama Theatre.

A scientific conference is planned for November 2, followed by a formal anniversary celebration at T. Usubaliev Square.