On 16-19 August, Kazan will host the 4th International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation”. One of the key events of cultural programme will be the premiere of a joint Russian-Chinese theatre project created by the “Alif” association (director Tufan Imamutdinov, choreographers Nurbek Batulla and Marsel Nuriev) and creative partners from Sichuan Province. The premiere will take place at the MOÑ theatre in Kazan.
The project is being implemented as an international co-production with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan. It is based on a creative dialogue between Tatar culture and the culture of the Yi people, who live in China’s Sichuan Province. The creators of the performance apply to the ethnic heritage, mythology, musical and choreographic traditions of the two peoples, exploring the common ground between cultures separated by thousands of kilometers.
The play’s distinctive feature is its dramatic structure, built around the human journey of life — from birth to death. The creators of the play form a unified artistic space that explores themes of cultural memory, the continuity of generations, and universal human values through myths, legends, rituals, music, and dance. The performance is being developed in both countries. The main stage of the project’s development will take place in China in summer 2026, afterwards, the play will be presented to audience in Kazan as part of the SPROUTS Forum on 18-19 August. In November, the play is planned to be shown at the Xichang International Theatre Festival, marking another step in the development of humanitarian cooperation between Russia and China.
The organisers note that the project reflects one of the Forum key objectives: developing both economic and cultural ties between the two countries. With the active expansion of Russian-Chinese cooperation, art is becoming an important tool for mutual understanding and strengthening trust between peoples.
“The play is based on a search for what unites people regardless of language, country, or culture. Working on the project with our Chinese colleagues, we saw how closely related the traditions, myths, and worldviews of the peoples of Tatarstan and Sichuan Province can be. For us, this is not only a theatrical performance, but a vibrant cultural dialogue that allows us to find new points of contact between Russia and China through art,” noted the play’s director, Tufan Imamutdinov.
Media accreditation for the SPROUTS Forum is open until 7 August at the link.
You can register for the Forum as a participant at the link.
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The International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation” will be held in Kazan on 16-19 August.
The business programme includes such areas as interstate dialogue, creative economy, medicine, industry, education, business and entrepreneurship, business associations, finance and investment, culture, media, law, transport, agriculture, tourism, and construction.
The SPROUTS Business Forum confirmed its high status by receiving the EFEA Awards and becoming a laureate and finalist of the prestigious International Russian Event Awards.
ANO “Directorate of International Programmes” acts as an operator for the preparation and holding of the SPROUTS Forum.
Official website of the SPROUTS Forum.
The project is being implemented as an international co-production with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan. It is based on a creative dialogue between Tatar culture and the culture of the Yi people, who live in China’s Sichuan Province. The creators of the performance apply to the ethnic heritage, mythology, musical and choreographic traditions of the two peoples, exploring the common ground between cultures separated by thousands of kilometers.
The play’s distinctive feature is its dramatic structure, built around the human journey of life — from birth to death. The creators of the play form a unified artistic space that explores themes of cultural memory, the continuity of generations, and universal human values through myths, legends, rituals, music, and dance. The performance is being developed in both countries. The main stage of the project’s development will take place in China in summer 2026, afterwards, the play will be presented to audience in Kazan as part of the SPROUTS Forum on 18-19 August. In November, the play is planned to be shown at the Xichang International Theatre Festival, marking another step in the development of humanitarian cooperation between Russia and China.
The organisers note that the project reflects one of the Forum key objectives: developing both economic and cultural ties between the two countries. With the active expansion of Russian-Chinese cooperation, art is becoming an important tool for mutual understanding and strengthening trust between peoples.
“The play is based on a search for what unites people regardless of language, country, or culture. Working on the project with our Chinese colleagues, we saw how closely related the traditions, myths, and worldviews of the peoples of Tatarstan and Sichuan Province can be. For us, this is not only a theatrical performance, but a vibrant cultural dialogue that allows us to find new points of contact between Russia and China through art,” noted the play’s director, Tufan Imamutdinov.
Media accreditation for the SPROUTS Forum is open until 7 August at the link.
You can register for the Forum as a participant at the link.
*****
The International Forum “SPROUTS: Russia and China – Mutually Beneficial Cooperation” will be held in Kazan on 16-19 August.
The business programme includes such areas as interstate dialogue, creative economy, medicine, industry, education, business and entrepreneurship, business associations, finance and investment, culture, media, law, transport, agriculture, tourism, and construction.
The SPROUTS Business Forum confirmed its high status by receiving the EFEA Awards and becoming a laureate and finalist of the prestigious International Russian Event Awards.
ANO “Directorate of International Programmes” acts as an operator for the preparation and holding of the SPROUTS Forum.
Official website of the SPROUTS Forum.