By Nadezhda Radionova
Theatre is to play a great role in the cultural year, as Belarus’ first amateur court theatre appeared in Nesvizh in the mid-18th century. Now, its glorious traditions are continued by the Ursula Radziwill Theatre of the District Centre of Culture and Leisure. It is to present various performances to guests of the cultural capital, with some staged at the palace and park estate. The Nights of the Bolshoi Theatre in Nesvizh Castle promises to be unforgettable while the Theatrical Meetings Festival will bring together numerous theatrical companies.
The Nation Blesses with Word and Action cultural event is to mark the 450th anniversary of the first printed books in Belarusian — published by Nesvizh’s printing house. The forum will include a scientific-practical conference, exhibitions of rare editions from the museum archive and theatrical performances.
The traditional Muses of Nesvizh holiday of arts won’t go unnoticed, enjoying deserved popularity among Nesvizh residents and tourists. International Children’s Day will see the National Musical Art Centre organising events, while the regional Moving in Step with Time youth action will be devoted to International Youth Day.
Nesvizh hopes to see many guests for its folk holidays of Kolyadki, Maslenitsa, Zazhinki and Dozhinki, while the Nesvizh Fest is scheduled for April. This will feature Straw Wonders — celebrating straw weaving, alongside Play, Harmonica and Folklore Toloka holidays. Works made by young artists at open air workshops are to go on show at the Colours of Native Land exhibition.
The town views its status as the cultural capital of Belarus in 2012 as a well-deserved honour. From the 17th-19th century, Nesvizh was one of the largest cultural centres in Europe, where the best composers of Italy, France and Germany performed. Moreover, Belarus’ professional musical and theatrical art originates from there. Nesvizh Castle is registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List, alongside Farny Roman Catholic Church and the Town Hall.
The Cultural Capital of Belarus action was launched in early 2010, aiming to celebrate the best achievements of national culture countrywide, while promoting the work of regional cultural institutions and local authorities and raising interest among tourists. In 2010, Polotsk was Belarus’ first cultural capital, followed by Gomel in 2011. Professional dance and musical groups are invited to perform during the year.
