World Chekhov: 166 years of a universal genius
"How should one live?" "What is the meaning of existence?" — these and other timeless questions were asked by the characters of Anton Chekhov more than a century ago, and the echoes of these monologues can now be heard in almost every language. On 29 January 2026, the 166th anniversary of the birth of the great writer will be marked — a man who emerged from the Russian provinces to forever change the landscape of world literature.
The entire biography of Anton Chekhov is a story of inner victories. The son of a bankrupt shopkeeper from Taganrog, he was forced to earn a living as a tutor, yet managed to gain a brilliant education — both medical and broadly humanistic. It is no coincidence that his ability to heal worked "on two fronts": as a medical professional, Chekhov treated people in district hospitals, and as a writer, he healed them with words — through vivid, expressive short stories.
Why did Chekhov become not only one of Russia’s cultural calling cards, but also a writer of truly global stature? The answer lies in his enduring international recognition. Chekhov’s works are especially popular in the United Kingdom. Leading theatres in the country strive to include at least one of his major plays — "The Cherry Orchard", "The Seagull", "Three Sisters", or "Uncle Vanya" — in their annual repertoires. Meanwhile, the outstanding film director Akira Kurosawa relocated the plot of "The Cherry Orchard" to samurai-era Japan, proving that Chekhov’s works exist beyond time and national borders.
The global meanings embedded in Anton Chekhov’s works will be reflected in the Chekhov Decade — a series of cultural and educational events held across the country to mark his 166th anniversary. This theme resonates particularly strongly at the National Centre RUSSIA, one of whose core missions is to engage with the world in the language of universal human values. That is why Chekhov’s stories will continue to be revisited in the National Centre RUSSIA’s original projects — from open discussions with literary scholars to expert sessions exploring the future of humanity.
The event will take place on 30 January at the National Centre RUSSIA and will be one of the key events of the Open Dialogue "The Future of the World. A New Platform for Global Growth".
Russia’s largest manufacturer of tableware and porcelain and faience products — the Dulevo Porcelain Factory.
