The festival is known worldwide as the first innovative platform for intercultural exchange of theatrical universities from different countries in Representatives of the world's drama schools the field of dramatic art and public diplomacy nationalities and cultures, students and teachers come together to learn the acting techniques in any director's interpretation
   Students prepare for the event throughout the year and come to the festival to show their performances based on one of the well-known works of art selected for a particular Festival The chosen play should be known all over the world so that people can understand the meaning behind the work, enjoying the unique interaction of actors from different drama schools without an interpreter. The rehearsals take place on an open stage, which attracts the viewer's attention. Every day actors from BRICS countries surprise viewers with their own version of the performance.

   The student youth is a "soft" force of any state, and the Festival, as one of the means of public diplomacy. serves as the realization of this soft force and creates a positive environment around the BRICS countries and Belarus, strengthening the authority of each of these countries in the international arena.

   During the 9 days of the Festival, the audience will be able to see performances, master classes and concert programs specially prepared by the Festival participants. There will also be themed tours of the capital's theaters and museums, joint conferences, and events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. The Festival will traditionally conclude with a joint performance featuring students from all the participating countries. This year, as part of the Year of Russian-Chinese Friendship, the play "The Orphan оf Zhao" by a XIIIth century Chinese author will be performed. The play will be a good reason for a deep study of the millennia-old culture of China. The performance, which will feature all the languages of the participating countries, should be understandable to all viewers. After all, the language of art does not require translation.

   The VIII BRICS+ countries Drama Schools Festival will be held on the stage of the main alley of the Exhibition of National Economic Achievements (or VDNKh in Russian) from the 20 of September till the 28 of September 2025. The Moscow University of Theatrical Arts named after J. Kobzon is organizing and holding the Festival. The Festival is supported by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Russian Federation and Moscow Department of Culture.
   The BRICS+ Countries Drama Schools Festival is a great celebration of creative young people who have chosen theater as their life and career. The Festival provides a unique opportunity for students from different countries to exchange their theatrical traditions and experiences on the same stage, showcase their art to a wide audience, and make new friends.
   The Festival is open to students aged 17 to 22, as well as to masters from renowned theater schools. It has been held in Moscow since 2017 and is an important strategic resource for public diplomacy. Every year, the BRICS+ Countries Drama Schools Festival attracts about 10 million visitors.

VIII BRICS+ 2025 RELEASE

RUSSIA

БРАЗИЛИЯ

ОАЭ

РОССИЯ

ИРАН

ИНДИЯ

ИНДОНЕЗИЯ

КИТАЙ

ЮАР

АРМЕНИЯ

БЕЛАРУСЬ

Moscow University of Theatrical Arts named after J. Kobzon

   Moscow University of Theatrical Arts named after J. Kobzon is a socially-oriented licensed and accredited non-profit organization. Its faculty features renowned cultural figures: People's and Honored Artists of Russia, Honored Art Workers, State Prize laureates, professors, and associate professors.
   Founded in 2012, the University has developed its own history, traditions, unique creative style, and atmosphere. This is due to the exceptional professionalism of masters and teachers who impart invaluable knowledge and practical theatre skills. Graduates work in leading theatres across Moscow, Russia, neighboring countries, in film and television.
   The University upholds Russian traditions and high moral values, nurturing them in the younger generation through culture and creativity.

Its single Faculty of Performing Arts comprises 7 departments:

• Dramatic Art (Acting & Directing)
• Physical Art (Stage Dance & Movement)
• Vocal Art (Solo & Ensemble Singing)
• Stage Speech (Oratory & Artistic Word)
• Choreographic Art
• Humanities
• Arts Management

   Over 500 students study in 21 creative workshops, learning from outstanding mentors. Since 2017, the University has been organizing the BRICS+ countries Drama Schools Festival.

CHINA

БРАЗИЛИЯ

ОАЭ

РОССИЯ

ИРАН

ИНДИЯ

ИНДОНЕЗИЯ

КИТАЙ

ЮАР

АРМЕНИЯ

БЕЛАРУСЬ

Shanghai Theatre Academy

   The Shanghai Theatre Academy (STA) is a prestigious Chinese university training professionals in the performing arts. Founded in 1945 as the Shanghai Municipal Experimental Theatre School, it adopted its current name in 1956. Since 2002, STA has been a comprehensive arts university encompassing theatre, Chinese opera, dance, film, and television. Its educational spectrum ranges from vocational secondary programs to doctoral degrees.
   STA employs over 500 staff, including more than 300 faculty members. It has an enrollment of over 2,200 undergraduate students and more than 1,000 graduate students.

   The Academy operates four specialized campuses (Huashan – theatre, Lianhua – Chinese opera, Hongqiao – dance, Changlin – film/TV/media) and comprises 10 departments/institutes (Acting, Directing, Playwriting, Stage Design, Chinese Opera, Dance, Film, Stagecraft & Arts Management, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Continuing Education), along with two affiliated secondary schools (Chinese Opera School and Dance School).
   STA has trained thousands of outstanding artists and cultural managers for the nation. Its graduates, recipients of numerous major awards, are leading professionals enjoying high repute and significant influence both in China and internationally.

INDIA

БРАЗИЛИЯ

ОАЭ

РОССИЯ

ИРАН

ИНДИЯ

ИНДОНЕЗИЯ

КИТАЙ

ЮАР

АРМЕНИЯ

БЕЛАРУСЬ

Roopak Nrityalaya Dance school

   Founded in 1975 in Pune by Mrs. Manjiri Karulkar (senior disciple of Guru Pandita Maneesha Sathe), Roopak Nrityalaya is a Kathak school training students globally for over 50 years. It admits all ages and levels, focusing on holistic development as dancers and performers. Students prepare for exams by Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal and Bharati Vidyapeeth, and pursue Bachelor's/Master's degrees (Pune/Bharati Vidyapeeth Universities) under Karulkar's guidance.

   The comprehensive syllabus covers Taal, Abhinaya, and technical aspects, equipping students with performance, choreography, music, and teaching skills. Its dedicated troupe performed at Delhi's 2022 Republic Day Azadi ka Amritmahotsav, reflecting the school's growth and impact.

БРАЗИЛИЯ

ОАЭ

РОССИЯ

ИРАН

ИНДИЯ

ИНДОНЕЗИЯ

КИТАЙ

ЮАР

АРМЕНИЯ

БЕЛАРУСЬ

Waterfront Theatre School

   Founded in the early 1990s by Keith Galloway and Delia Sainsbury, the Waterfront Theatre School (WTS) pioneered "triple threat" training (singing, dancing, acting). Its 4-year non-formal programme aligns with global standards and offers international accreditation via Trinity College London and ISTD.

   As the performing arts evolve, WTS adapts its approach, equipping students with diverse skills for sustainable careers as performers, teachers, and creators. Its vocational focus cultivates industry pioneers who redefine the "triple threat" concept for tomorrow's creative landscape.

INDONESIA

БРАЗИЛИЯ

ОАЭ

РОССИЯ

ИРАН

ИНДИЯ

ИНДОНЕЗИЯ

КИТАЙ

ЮАР

АРМЕНИЯ

Indonesian Institute of the Arts Yogyakarta

   As Indonesia’s leading higher education institution in the arts, ISI Yogyakarta embraces a creative concept that blends local cultural heritage with contemporary artistic exploration. Our academic approach encourages students and faculty to engage with traditional Indonesian performance arts—such as wayang, gamelan, and classical dance—while also innovating through modern theatre, interdisciplinary performance, and multimedia expression.

   This fusion of heritage and innovation forms the core of our educational vision, enabling artists to respond critically and creatively to global cultural dialogues while maintaining strong local roots. ISI Yogyakarta nurtures artists who not only perform but also question, interpret, and reimagine their cultural landscape on the global stage.

Delegate portraits:

Rano Sumarno, M.Sn.
Lecturer of Theater
Department

Dendi Juandi Abdillah
Student of Theater
Department

БЕЛАРУСЬ

UAE

БРАЗИЛИЯ

ОАЭ

РОССИЯ

ИРАН

ИНДИЯ

ИНДОНЕЗИЯ

КИТАЙ

ЮАР

АРМЕНИЯ

Youth Theatre and Arts

   The Youth Theatre and Arts, established in 1972 as the UAE's first official cultural institution, nurtures young talents and presents innovative art to enrich the cultural landscape. Its vision is to build an enlightened society led by cultured youth, guided by core values of Responsibility, Loyalty/Belonging, Youth Investment, Collaboration, Leadership, and Creativity/Innovation/Sustainability.
   The Theatre operates through key departments: Literature (short stories, poetry, novels); Visual Arts (drawing, photography, sculpture, design, etc.); Performing Arts (theatre, music, TV, cinema); and Folklore Heritage (traditional arts, games, crafts, oral heritage, costumes, food).

   Its goals include promoting cultural awareness, developing youth skills in arts, literature, and heritage preservation, discovering talents via workshops, supporting creative industries, and establishing nationwide branches.
   The Performing Arts department serves as a core platform for youth expression and creative industries, forming specialized groups. The Folklore Heritage department preserves cultural identity through workshops and folk groups. The Visual Arts department is prioritized via specialized workshops and exhibitions.

БЕЛАРУСЬ

IRAN

БРАЗИЛИЯ

ОАЭ

РОССИЯ

ИРАН

ИНДИЯ

ИНДОНЕЗИЯ

КИТАЙ

ЮАР

АРМЕНИЯ

БЕЛАРУСЬ

Elaheh Kianfard School of Art and Acting

   Elaheh Kianfard School of Art and Acting, founded in 2002 by Elaheh Kianfard and Ahmad Nadafi, is a leading Iranian theatre group active in directing, acting, and festival participation. It annually trains students at the School of Performing Arts, with their performances reaching top national festivals. Internationally, the group has performed in Moscow and Karachi.

   Nadafi, a renowned writer, director, professor, and festival judge, has won multiple awards and plays a key role in Iran’s Fajr Festival. This School also organizes theatre festivals and has presented notable works like My Sister Ismane, Regal, and Mr. X at prestigious Iranian festivals.

BELARUS

БРАЗИЛИЯ

ОАЭ

РОССИЯ

ИРАН

ИНДИЯ

ИНДОНЕЗИЯ

КИТАЙ

ЮАР

АРМЕНИЯ

БЕЛАРУСЬ

Belarus State University of Culture and Arts

   Belarus State University of Culture and Arts (BSUCA) trains specialists in the sphere of culture and arts, studies, preserves, and creatively reinterprets the cultural heritage of Belarus. The university boasts a rich history and a unique creative atmosphere.
   This year marks the 50th anniversary of BSUCA, Belarus' leading specialized university in its field. Its history began on May 4, 1975, with the Decree of the Council of Ministers of the Belorussian SSR establishing the Minsk Institute of Culture (now BSUCA).
   The university's team has received the President's Special Award for Cultural and Artistic Achievements (2022) and the President's Award for Spiritual Revival (2025).

   The Department of Theatrical Creativity is part of the Faculty of Artistic Culture and trains specialists in three specialties: Folk Аrt (theatrical), Theater Directing (directing theatrical projects) and Acting (the art of the musical).
   Students of the department, guided by educators – recognized actors and cultural figures, laureates of state awards – actively participate and win prizes at national and international festivals and competitions.
   Since February 17, 2023 is acting the Repertory Educational Theater BSUCA operating, in whose work by teachers, students and graduates of the Department of Theatrical Creativity.

The first BRICS
Festival

The venue is ENEA.
Play - "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare.
Shakespeare's tragedy shows that love, although beautiful, can be destroyed by enmity and prejudice. Despite the sincere love between Romeo and Juliet, their family feud leads to their deaths. The play raises questions about the power of love, the consequences of hatred, and the importance of overcoming prejudice.

1.

2017

The Second BRICS
Festival

Venue – Open area of Zaryadye Park, play "The Servant of Two Masters" by C. Goldoni.
In Carlo Goldoni's comedy the main conclusion is that love and honesty triumph over deception and cunning. Despite many comical situations caused by Truffaldino's double life, in the end all couples find happiness and the deception is revealed, leading to a general reconciliation.

2018

The Third BRICS Festival

Venue - Open area of Zaryadye Park, a play based on the tragedy of Sophocles "Oedipus the King".
Sophocles' tragedy shows that a person must be responsible for their actions, even if they are done in ignorance or under the influence of fate. Oedipus, trying to avoid the fate predicted to him by the Oracle, unintentionally commits the murder of his father and enters into an incestuous marriage with his mother. However, after realizing his fate and accepting his guilt, he does not try to shift the responsibility onto the gods or fate, but instead punishes himself by blinding himself and being exiled from the city.

2019

The Fourth BRICS Festival

Venue: Moscow Art Comedy Theatre, "Mother Courage" by B. Brecht . Bertolt Brecht's play "Mother Courage" is an anti-war drama that criticizes the capitalist system and its impact on human relationships, especially in times of war. Brecht shows that war is an extension of politics by other means and that human virtues such as courage and love can lead to destruction in war situations.

2020

The Fifth BRICS
Festival

Venue - Moscow Art Comedy Theatre, excerpts from the works of Fyodor Dostoevsky.
The works of Feodor Dostoevsky touch upon deep philosophical and moral issues related to human nature, suffering, faith, free will and responsibility. His novels often explore the inner world of his characters, their struggle with temptations, as well as the consequences of their actions.

5.

2021

The Sixth BRICS
Festival

The venue is the Moscow Art Comedy Theatre, a series of scientific and practical conferences on the works of Fyodor Dostoevsky.
Dostoevsky emphasizes the absolute value of every human life, regardless of social status or moral qualities. The writer shows how people can fall morally, commit crimes, but also be reborn through suffering and repentance. Dostoevsky explores the theme of freedom of choice and how individuals are responsible for their decisions and their consequences.

2023

The Seventh BRICS Festival

Venue – Open area of ENEA, A.S. Pushkin "The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish".
The main conclusion that can be drawn from "The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish" by Alexander Pushkin is that greed and excessive desires do not lead to happiness, but rather can deprive us of what we already have. The fairy tale teaches us to appreciate what we have and not to strive for excessive wealth and power, as this can lead to ruin.

2024

Festival venue: Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy (VDNKh)

The Exhibition of National Economic Achievements (or VDNKh in Russian) is the largest exhibition, museum, and recreational complex in the world. Since its opening on August 1, 1939, the name has changed several times. Today, ENEA is a unique space for museum and exhibition projects, international business exhibitions and congresses, festivals, and celebrations.
ENEA is the only place where you can see outstanding architectural masterpieces that represent a memorial to the Soviet era and an example of styles that were prevalent at different times. These include the Monument “Worker and Kolhoz Woman”, fountains “Friendship of Peoples” and “Stone Flower”, pavilions “Farming”, “Soviet Culture”, “Cosmos” and much more.

Festival patners:

Information partners: