ST. PETERSBURG, October 3. /TASS/. The 36th Baltic House International Theater Festival has opened in St. Petersburg, bringing nine acclaimed productions to the city. The lineup features performances previously recognized at major theater festivals in Russia and abroad, including productions from India and China, according to the city authorities’ press service.

"This year, the festival is taking place as a 'Festival of Festivals.' Nine productions have been selected for the program, all of which have previously received recognition at prominent theater festivals in Russia and around the world. Companies from China, India, and several Russian regions will take the stage," the statement said.

As St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov noted on his Telegram channel, the festival will open with a performance by China’s Shaanxi People's Art Theatre and conclude with a premiere by the Mossovet State Academic Theater: The Seagull, directed by Andrey Konchalovsky.

"For decades, the Baltic House Festival has introduced St. Petersburg audiences to contemporary trends in world theater. Our city always warmly welcomes and supports festivals that bring together Russian and international performing artists. The rich traditions of the St. Petersburg stage and the residents' love of theater make the city an ideal venue for creative exchange and the launch of joint projects," Beglov said in his opening address.

The Baltic House Festival has been held annually since 1991, making it the first international theater festival established on an annual basis in the history of contemporary Russia. In 2026, the festival is part of the "Year of St. Petersburg Culture" program and is being held with the support of the Russian Ministry of Culture and the St. Petersburg Committee for Culture.