Hollywood actor Ralph Fiennes surprises Georgian theatre performers in Tbilisi

A Hollywood actor surprised Georgian theatre companies as they finalised their performances ahead of tonight’s launch of the Tbilisi Festival of Theatre.

Two-time Oscar nominee Ralph Fiennes paid a short visit to Georgia’s capital today to meet members of several Georgian theatre groups ahead of the city’s major cultural event.

First up the English actor visited the Marjanishvili Theatre troupe to congratulate the company on the Festival’s commencement later today while also attending their final rehearsal.

The internationally-acclaimed actor signed autographs and posed for photographs with company members who were visibly delighted by his visit.

Fiennes also visited the Sukhishvilebi Georgian National Ballet today. Photo from the Theatre/Facebook.

Fiennes was also seen at the Sukhishvilebi Georgian National Ballet where he watched as they prepared for their 70^th anniversary tour to the United States next month.

The actor, known for his powerful roles in Schindler’s List and The English Patient, met the folk dance company’s founders Nino Ramishvili and Iliko Sukhishvili as well as their dancers.

Fiennes is reportedly planning to attend a number of shows during the Tbilisi International Festival of Theatre.

The festival program will feature a diverse program of celebrated international and Georgian troupes including the Akram Khan Company and Berlin’s Schaubühne Theatre over the next two weeks.