12. Madách International Theatre Meeting

According to chief director N. Naranbaatar, the choice to restage the play was made with the belief that “the time has come for us to speak again about the motherland through our work”.

The Son of Heaven, which premiered at the Mongolian State Academic Drama Theatre in 2011, returned to the stage in October 2024 with a new cast and a revamped production. The performance will be featured in May 2025 on the Main Stage of the National Theatre in Budapest as part of the MITEM Festival.

Written by B. Tsognemekh and directed by N. Naranbaatar, the play tells the story of Modun Shanyu (Mao-Tun), the great ruler of the Xiongnu Empire. The Xiongnu were one of the most influential nomadic peoples of ancient Central Asia, playing a crucial role in Chinese history and the development of Eurasian steppe cultures. Since its premiere, the play has significantly influenced Mongolia’s state ceremonies and national costume culture, and has also played a major role in strengthening the national identity of the Mongolian audiences.

Created to mark the 2,220th anniversary of the founding of the Xiongnu Empire, the 2011 production won the Best Playwright, Best Director, Best Composer, Best Male Actor and six other categories at the St. Muse International Theatre Festival. It also received the festival’s Grand Prize and was named Best Artwork at the Silver Tree Gala.

Over the 13 years since its premiere, significant archaeological discoveries have deepened the understanding of Xiongnu history, greatly enhancing public knowledge of Mongolia’s past and sparking growing interest in the era among new generations. This increasing interest is the main reason for the revival of the production. Artists spanning three generations of the theatre have come together to breathe new life into this historical work.

B. Shinebayar has been chosen to play the role of Modun Shanyu, while M. Tuvshinkhuu will be seen as Touman Shanyu. The Mongol queen will be portrayed by Distinguished Artist J. Oyundari.