About us

Historical Background

In 1925, a decision was made to establish the first "Red Corner" (Ulaan Bulan) in the four earliest provinces of Mongolia, marking the beginning of cultural institutions in the Khan Khentii region. That year, a cultural and artistic center was opened in Khan Khentii Mountain Province, where the echoes of music and song resonated inside a large ger (traditional Mongolian dwelling) adorned with a red flag in Öndörkhaan district. The first head of this "Red Ger" (Ulaan Ger) was Ayush, a woman from Mörön soum.

During this period, Khan Khentii became home to several generations of distinguished artists and cultural figures, including Samyn Gombo, Balin Champion Maidaryn Dashrentsen, Luvsangompil, N. Demchig, and Seserjaa Damchaa, all of whom were renowned masters of "Urtiin Duu" (long-song), a traditional Mongolian singing style.

In the 1930s, the first club was established in a blue brick building called "Altanjan Palace" (Altantzhan Urgoo) under the leadership of Yadamsüren, where numerous amateur artists directed and performed plays. By 1938, the city of Öndörkhaan had two active cultural institutions: The "Eldev-Ochir Club," and The "Workers' Club," affiliated with the trade union organization.

These clubs staged various plays and concerts, including "Commissar Tsenden", "Doloodoi the Boy", and "The Three Fateful Heads" (a reference to the classic Mongolian opera).

In the mid-1950s, these two clubs merged, leading to significant improvements in artistic quality and professionalism. Notably, D. Luvsansharav, a Hero of Labor, State Prize Laureate, and People’s Artist of Mongolia, along with D. Badarch, a State Prize Laureate and Meritorious Cultural Worker, were among the prominent figures who contributed to the development of this institution during this period.

On January 22, 1958, the Council of Ministers of the Mongolian People's Republic (MPR) and the Central Committee of the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP) issued Resolution No. 14/23, which led to the establishment of the Cultural Palace (Соёлын ордон) in Öndörkhaan City, Khentii Province, on March 1, 1958. Since its founding, the Cultural Palace has enriched its repertoire with over 60 theatrical productions and more than 100 concerts, including renowned plays such as "Budamshuu," "Dalan Khudalch" (The Great Liar), "Valentin and Valentina," and "Övgöd" (The Elders).

In 1975, the Cultural Palace of Khentii Province participated in the Eastern Regional Cultural Palaces’ Festival, held in Ömnögovi Province, where it was awarded First Place. In recognition of this achievement, the Ministry of Culture expanded the Cultural Palace’s structure, increasing its staff by six members, bringing the total personnel to 24 and officially designating it as an Expanded Cultural Palace.

In 1978, the province successfully organized a 10-day Khentii Cultural and Arts Festival in Ulaanbaatar, further solidifying its reputation. That year, singer Ch. Sharkhuukheng was honored with the title of "People’s Artist of the MPR" (Ардын жүжигчин), and choral instructor L. Dashnyam was awarded the title of "Meritorious Cultural Worker of the MPR" (Урлагийн гавьяат зүтгэлтэн).

In 1983, under Resolution No. 38 of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP), the Khan Khentii Theatre (Ardyn Duu Büjgiin “Khan Khentii” Chuulga) was officially established. Since its inception, the ensemble has produced over 40 full-length concerts, including:

"Melodies of the Steppe," "Ballad of Khan Khentii," "Folk Melodies," "Ballad of the Snowy Altai," "The Gifted Wisdom of Folk Music," "A Century of Echoes," "Mongolia of the Steppe," "Song of the Wise Khan," "Song of Burkhan Khaldun," and "The Historic Homeland."

In addition to its concert productions, the ensemble has also staged numerous theatrical performances, including:

  • "The Great Destiny," a sung drama

  • "The Sword Tempered by Onon," a folk dance drama

  • "The Path of Life," a song and dance production

  • "Eternal Blue Sky," a theatrical concert

  • "Frost of the Troubled Times," a dramatic musical

  • "The Four Fateful Heads," a rock musical

  • "The Three Fateful Heads," a national opera

  • "The Cat’s House," a children’s musical

  • "A Kid Named Goat," a children’s play

  • "The Talking Tree," a children’s musical drama

With over 20 additional productions, the ensemble has continuously enriched its repertoire.

The Khan Khentii Theatre is distinguished by its commitment to preserving and promoting the traditional songs, music, and dance heritage of Eastern Mongolia. Through its creative works, it presents the rich cultural legacy of the region to a wide audience.

The Khan Khentii Theatre has been home to some of Mongolia’s most renowned artists, composers, choreographers, and directors. Under the leadership of Honored Cultural Figures of Mongolia (Mongolian State Merited Artists) L. Dashnyam, D. Gombo, D. Sanjaasuren, Ts. Oyunbaatar, G. Enkhbold, and B. Avirmed, the ensemble has nurtured outstanding artists, including People’s Artist of Mongolia Ch. Sharkhuukhen and Honored Artists of Mongolia such as Ts. Tuvshintögs, Ts. Ichinkhorloo, Ts. Enkhzul, S. Nansalmaа, G. Khongorzul, N. Tömörkhuyag, and D. Baasanjav. These exceptional individuals, along with highly talented dancers, musicians, and young artists, have brought pride to Khentii Province, elevating the reputation of the Khan Khentii Ensemble not only in Mongolia but also internationally, promoting Mongolian national culture and arts worldwide.

Due to its artistic excellence, the ensemble has consistently achieved high rankings in the National Professional Theater and Ensemble Competitions, securing top and runner-up positions in 1985, 1989, 2002, 2012, 2016, and 2022. Throughout its 40-year history, the ensemble has been guided by directors such as L. Narangerel, D. Altankhuyag, B. Ölzii-Orshikh, B. Avirmed, B. Mönkhjargal, Ts. Tuvshintögs, Ts. Dugar, and D. Tsogt-Erdene, all of whom have played a crucial role in shaping the ensemble's artistic vision. Their dedicated efforts have significantly contributed to the preservation and promotion of the traditional heritage of Eastern Mongolia at both national and global levels.

Currently, the Khan Khentii Theatre operates as a professional arts organization with a total of 58 personnel, structured into Administration and Operations, Song, Music, and Dance Departments. The ensemble performs over 100 shows annually, reaching more than 30,000 spectators, including children and youth.

On the occasion of its 40th anniversary, the ensemble moved into a newly constructed theater building, which features a 600-seat auditorium, nine performance halls, and 78 rooms designed for professional artistic purposes. This state-of-the-art facility has created an ideal environment for artists and staff while providing audiences with a modern, well-equipped stage, professional lighting, sound technology, and a comfortable viewing experience.

Key Milestones of the Khan Khentii Theatre

  1. In 1985, the Khan Khentii Theatre of the State Folk Art Theatre (АДБ) toured Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Poland, introducing Mongolia’s national heritage and cultural traditions to European audiences.

  2. In 2002, the theatre won First Place at the National Professional Theatre and Ensemble Competition. Following this achievement, the dance troupe was awarded a cultural exchange tour to China, where they performed in Beijing, Harbin, Hangzhou, and Changchun.

  3. In 2017, the theatre’s artists traveled to Sichuan, China, for a cultural exchange program and performance tour.

  4. In May 2018, the theatre participated in the Asian Arts Festival in Busan, South Korea, followed by the "Nomadic Mongolia" Festival in Daegu, South Korea, in July 2018, where they showcased performances in throat singing (khöömei), dance, and morin khuur (horsehead fiddle) music. Additionally, during the East Asian Arts and Sports Festival in Daegu, the theatre’s morin khuur musicians won Second Place, receiving a special honor from the Mongolian Embassy in South Korea.

  5. In 2019, the theatre conducted a six-month cultural exchange program in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China, promoting Mongolia’s national culture and heritage.

  6. The theatre actively organizes nationwide competitions in honor of its legendary artists, including:

    • The People’s Artist Ch. Sharkhuukhen Long Song and Folk Song Competition.

    • The Merited Artist D. Sanjaasuren National Professional Dance Competition.

    • The Merited Artist D. Gombo National Professional Musician Competition.

    • The Merited Artist L. Dashnyam National Song Competition.

  7. Over the years, the theatre has produced some of Mongolia’s most distinguished artists, including 1 People’s Artist of Mongolia, 6 Merited Cultural Workers, and 8 Merited Artists.