Today, the grand opening of the V International Theatre Festival "Theatrical Art of the Happy Epoch" took place in the capital. This year's forum brought together delegations from Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Armenia. They include masters of the stage, creative companies and admirers of theatrical art.

In the era of the Revival of the new epoch of the powerful state, special attention is paid to the development of national culture and its popularization on the international arena. This work is carried out within the framework of the cultural policy laid down by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and successfully implemented under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. In this regard, the material and technical base of the cultural sphere is being strengthened, and creative competitions and festivals of national and international scale are regularly held. At the same time, the neutral Fatherland continues to expand mutually beneficial cooperation and friendly dialogue with all states, making a weighty contribution to the strengthening of universal peace. An important role in achieving foreign policy goals is played by cultural diplomacy, which contributes to the intensification of specialized exchange, the establishment of ties in this direction, the strengthening of mutual trust, the promotion of national interests and the formation of a positive image of the country.

The dialogue of national cultures is of particular importance for the political, economic and cultural rapprochement of continents. Culture is a kind of bridge uniting various peoples and nations, since it is precisely the language of culture that is accessible and understandable without translation. And creative events, among which are film and theatre festivals, Days of Culture of various states of the world, international exhibitions and fairs, have become a symbol of friendship and mutual understanding. Such events contribute to the expansion of cultural relations, the popularization and enrichment of the national values of peoples. In this context, theatrical art occupies a special place.

Thanks to the creative initiatives of Hero-Arkadag and the tireless efforts of Arkadagly Hero Serdar, the national theatrical art is reaching new heights of mastery. On the theatre stages, the greatness of the sacred independence and permanent neutrality of the Fatherland finds vivid reflection, which inspires new grandiose achievements. Through stage art, national values are popularized throughout the world. As a result, figures of theatrical art receive worldwide recognition.

…The opening ceremony of the theatre festival was preceded by performances of the participants of the event, who presented the cultural traditions of their countries. A solemn procession of theatre companies took place on the square in front of the Mollanepes Student Theatre of Turkmenistan and the the Main Academic Drama Theatre named after Saparmurat Turkmenbashi the Great. The literary and artistic compositions presented were distinguished by the richness of their content and the high level of performance, giving much joy to the spectators and guests of the festival.

The peace-loving initiatives of Turkmenistan and the policy of friendship and brotherhood are artistically reflected in the theatrical literary and artistic composition "Türkmenistan – dost-doganlyk mekany," performed by students of the Turkmen State Institute of Culture. A bright decoration of the celebration was the performance "Janly gurjaklar," prepared by the creative company of the Turkmen State Puppet Theatre. The festive atmosphere was enhanced by the captivating numbers of the artists of the State Circus of Turkmenistan, who demonstrated complex acrobatic elements.

Turkmen opera art was presented with fragments from the opera "Leýli–Mejnun." The feeling of pride of the Turkmen people for the independent neutral Fatherland, which has entered a new epoch of development, as well as the happy and prosperous life, found reflection in the musical and poetic composition "Türkmenistan eziz Diýar – waspyň dillerde dessan.»

The celebration continued in The Main Academic Drama Theatre named after Saparmurat Turkmenbashi the Great, where an exhibition dedicated to the history of the development of the country's theatrical art and its modern trends was mounted.

Here, the official opening ceremony of the V International Theatre Festival "Theatrical Art of the Happy Epoch" also took place, bringing together leaders and representatives of the domestic cultural sphere, creative delegations of the foreign countries participating in the festival, the media, teachers and students of creative higher education institutions and secondary specialized educational institutions of the capital.

The celebration opened with the theatrical literary and artistic performance "Agzybirlik – dost-doganlyk binýady." The composition glorified the international initiatives of Turkmenistan aimed at strengthening peace, friendship and cultural cooperation, as well as the noble efforts undertaken by Hero-Arkadag and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in this direction.

Then those gathered listened with great attention to the Address of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov to the participants of the festival. As noted in the message, the international theatre festival held in Turkmenistan for the fifth time has become an integral part of cultural diplomacy. The regular participation of creative companies of theatres from friendly countries in international theatre festivals serves to strengthen cooperation in this field. In the development of international cultural ties, along with other types of art, a great role is assigned to the theatrical.

The special significance of holding the V International Theatre Festival "Theatrical Art of the Happy Epoch" in the year "Independent Neutral Turkmenistan – the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses" was also emphasized. The international cultural event organized in the current year, when the world glory of the Turkmen steeds is being multiplied, reflects the rapid, like a spirited horse, development of cultural cooperation.

"Having gathered in a single creative space the theatre companies, directors, artists and playwrights of friendly states, the festival is called upon to expand cultural and humanitarian ties between peoples. This unique celebration of art will contribute to fostering in the younger generation a love for theatrical art and acquaintance with the achievements of the theatres of friendly countries," notes the Address of the head of state.

The solemn ceremony continued with performances by the creative delegations of the participating countries. The speakers emphasized the significance of the current forum in bringing peoples closer together and mutually enriching cultures. They expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for the opportunity to visit Ashgabat and take part in the international theatre festival, noting that such meetings open new prospects for the development of creative cooperation.

This was followed by a video presentation of the performances that would be held in the country's theatres within the framework of the current forum. The program included both new productions and well-known performances that have won the recognition and love of the public.

The opening ceremony concluded with the performance of the song "Uzak ýaşa, Arkadagly Serdarymyz!," which became a kind of anthem to the large-scale transformations successfully carried out under the wise leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and to the rapid development of the independent, permanently neutral Fatherland.

Within the framework of the festival, the country's stages will host showings of performances distinguished by a diversity of genres, sincerity, authenticity, originality of interpretation of characters, and commitment to eternal values – honor and duty, love and friendship, moral purity and human dignity, the search for the meaning of life.

In addition, within the framework of the current international forum, a working meeting with the participation of theatre companies and creative figures will be held. Among the issues discussed are the development of theatrical art and the strengthening of international cooperation in this direction.

The solemn closing ceremony of the V International Theatre Festival "Theatrical Art of the Happy Epoch" is scheduled for November 8, during which the results will be summarized and participants will be awarded special diplomas and souvenirs.

An extensive cultural program has been prepared for the guests, providing for acquaintance with the sights of the Turkmen capital.

Thus, the V International Theatre Festival "Theatrical Art of the Happy Epoch" has once again confirmed the status of Turkmenistan as a major cultural center playing an important role in the development of theatrical art and the popularization of national culture on the international arena.