Interview with the Artistic Director of Khan Khentii Folk Song and Dance Theatre, State Merited Cultural Worker (MUSGZ) Ts. Oyunbaatar
"Artists must stay ahead of time," says Ts. Oyunbaatar, a legendary figure who has dedicated half a century to the cultural institution—from the earliest days of the Cultural Palace to the present-day Khan Khentii Folk Song and Dance Theatre. He is not only a living archive of the theatre’s history but also one of its most celebrated and honored performers.
Throughout his 50-year artistic journey, he has become an inseparable part of Khan Khentii Theatre and is one of the few artists to have been honored as a State Merited Cultural Worker (MUSGZ) alongside his spouse. On the occasion of the theatre’s historic anniversary, we had a conversation with him about his remarkable career and contributions.
First of all, congratulations on the 65th anniversary of the founding of Khentii’s Cultural Palace and the 40th anniversary of the establishment of Khan Khentii Folk Song and Dance Theatre as a professional performing arts institution.
Thank you very much. I am extremely honored. I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to all past and present artists of Khan Khentii Theatre and our dear audience in Khentii Province on these historic milestones—the 65th anniversary of Khentii’s Cultural Palace and the 40th anniversary of Khan Khentii Theatre’s founding as a professional performing arts organization.
You are one of the rare individuals to have worked in Khentii’s cultural and artistic sector for fifty uninterrupted years. How did your journey with Khan Khentii Theatre begin?
As a child, I began my journey in 1974 when I applied for a position at the Öndörkhaan Cultural Palace, under the guidance of wise and talented mentors. I initially worked as a janitor before transitioning into an apprentice actor, officially marking the start of my artistic career. Since then, I have dedicated 49 continuous years to this institution.
Fifty years is an incredibly long time. Can you share some memories of the directors and esteemed artists you've worked with throughout the years?
There are countless stories to tell. During the early years when it was still a Cultural Palace, I worked under editor and writer D. Khishigjargal, who was leading the “Uragshaa” newspaper at the time. When Khan Khentii Theatre was officially established, I worked under theatre directors D. Altankhuyag, B. Avirmed, Ts. Tüvshintögs, L. Narangerel, B. Ölzii-Orshikh, B. Mönkhjargal, and D. Tsogt-Erdene.
From the earliest days of the Cultural Palace, I had the privilege of learning from four legendary masters—State Merited Cultural Workers L. Dashnyam, D. Sanjaasüren, and D. Gombo, and director G. Enkhbold. They played a major role in shaping the theatre's artistic direction. I also had the honor of working alongside People’s Artist Ch. Sharkhuukhen, as well as esteemed artists D. Daariimaa, opera singer Kh. Davaasambuu, S. Dashdondog, and S. Khurelbaatar. I learned a tremendous amount from them and dedicated myself to preserving and promoting the folk heritage and artistic traditions of Eastern Mongolia.
You spent over twenty years working alongside the legendary D. Sanjaasüren. Could you tell us about that experience?
My teacher, D. Sanjaasüren, originally came from Dornod Province and joined our institution as a dance teacher, while I was a young dancer under his guidance. He was deeply committed to researching and documenting the traditional customs and lifestyles of the Barghu, Darkhad, and other ethnic groups of Eastern Mongolia, bringing these elements into Mongolian folk dance and stage productions.
Thanks to his leadership and that of our other four legendary masters, we frequently won top and runner-up prizes at national competitions for professional performing arts ensembles. Since then, Khan Khentii Theatre has continued to excel in national competitions, securing leading positions for performances of Üzemchin, Buryat, and Khalkh traditional dances.
D. Sanjaasüren was known for his unique artistic approach, precision, and deep cultural knowledge, which he infused into every production. When I was later appointed to take over his position, I initially felt uncertain—could I truly uphold the high standard set by such an incredible master? However, as time passed, I grew into the role, eventually serving as the head of the Dance Department, dance instructor, choreographer, director, and ultimately artistic director of Khan Khentii Theatre. That journey has brought me to where I am today.
How would you describe the different stages of Khan Khentii Theatre’s development?
Initially, the Cultural Palace was a small artistic institution with limited productions. However, after transitioning into the Khan Khentii Folk Song and Dance Theatre, its scope expanded significantly, growing to a team of over 80 members and producing increasingly high-quality performances. Today, the theatre operates with 58 members, but in the coming year, it will expand to 130 staff members.
Our mid-generation artists and teachers are incredibly skilled, and despite social and generational shifts, Khan Khentii Theatre has consistently upheld its artistic excellence at a national level. The 40th anniversary marks a particularly significant milestone, as we have achieved remarkable progress.
One of the greatest advancements was our relocation to a new theatre building during Khentii Province’s 100th-anniversary celebrations. This transition has broadened the artistic perspectives of our performers and has set the foundation for even higher-quality productions in the future.
What are some of the theatre’s recent achievements?
In recent years, we have focused extensively on children’s productions, staging works such as “The Cat’s House,” “The Kid Named Goat,” “The Talking Tree,” and “Poisoned Water.”
In 2022, at the National Professional Theatre Gathering, we presented the three-act concert “Tüühen Toonto” (Historic Homeland), where our team won second place overall and received awards in seven categories, including Best Actor, Best Singer, and Best Ensemble.
What valuable lessons have you learned from past generations of artists? As a senior artist, what guidance do you give to younger performers?
The performing arts demand patience, resilience, and extraordinary effort—lessons I learned from the great teachers and veteran artists who guided me.
I firmly believe that artists must always stay ahead of their time. Today’s younger generation of performers is deeply immersed in the digital and social media era, and they must not only keep pace with it but also anticipate and shape cultural trends.
It is essential to understand what resonates with modern audiences, particularly today’s youth, and to craft performances that reflect and influence society. Artists bear a great responsibility to inspire audiences, cultivate aesthetic appreciation, and positively impact social consciousness.
I sincerely hope that the new generation of artists at Khan Khentii Theatre will remain intellectually curious, innovative, and deeply committed to the institution’s future. That is why I am always eager to share my experiences and work closely with young performers, guiding them to carry forward our artistic legacy with dedication and excellence.
Message to the People of Khentii and Generations of Khan Khentii Theatre Artists
To all the audiences of Khentii Province, the people of Khan Khentii, and the generations of artists who have been part of this great institution, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the historic 40th anniversary of the founding of Khan Khentii Folk Song and Dance Theatre.
May your artistic journey be prosperous and filled with creative success, may you remain healthy and strong, and may you continue to create, innovate, and contribute to Mongolia’s cultural heritage. With my warmest wishes for an inspiring and fulfilling artistic future!