The first references to acting in Russia are dated to the 11th century. Beggars with no angle spoke at fairs.
The thought of the necessity of the theater was visited by Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich in 1643. Foreign artists were invited, but plans could not be realized.
Only in 1672 the first tsarist theater was opened, which did not last long.
In 1756, Elizaveta Petrovna ordered the establishment of the Russian Theater.
Now Russia can rightfully be proud of theatrical art. Of course, this is not the same theater that was several hundred years ago. Submissions are no longer of such great interest.
Nevertheless, this art has its own connoisseurs, and there are many of them. Every theater-goer’s dream is to visit the Bolshoi, but there are still many beautiful theaters, and not all of them are located in Moscow and St. Petersburg. There are also theaters in the province.
In this article we will talk about the most famous theaters in Russia, who are famous all over the world.
10. Moscow Academic Theater of Satire | Moscow
Opening date: October 1, 1924.
Initially, in this theater it was impossible to see traditional classical performances. Popular topics here were politics, everyday life, and parodies.
In 1930, the repertoire changed somewhat. Performances of classical drama appeared, but comedies and vaudeville were the basis.
In the late 1950s, stagnation occurred. Performances based on Mayakovsky’s plays helped regain the interest of the audience. In 1984, the theater was awarded the title of academic. This is an honorary title in the USSR, which was awarded to the largest theaters.
In 2015, he was called one of the most visited. The halls were 90% full, the number of spectators reached 2.5 million. It is not surprising, because the theater is famous for its interesting repertoire and talented actors.
Also on the territory of the theater there is a museum, which presents photographs of past years, the old props, gifts from the audience.
9. Winter Theater | Sochi
Founded: November 11, 1937.
This conservative building is an attraction of the spa town, it attracts attention with its beauty and grandeur.
The architect was given a difficult task: to adapt the structure to the local conditions of the seaside resort. This was done using columns.
During the intermission, viewers can go to the terrace, breathe the sea air and enjoy the sea. The State Sochi Philharmonic Hall is also located here.
The best troupes from all over the Union played on the stage of this theater, now you can see performances by groups from different cities of Russia and neighboring countries.
The Winter Theater is rightfully considered the hallmark of the city of Sochi.
8. Theater named after Evgeny Vakhtangov | Moscow
Educated in 1913, as a student drama studio, official opening date November 13, 1921.
During the existence of the theater “at the helm” were brilliant directors: Ruben Simonov, Evgeny Simonov, Mikhail Ulyanov. Thanks to them, the theater can be proud of its centuries-old history.
The theater has six stages:
- Main scene
- New scene
- Studio
- Art Cafe
- Simonovskaya scene (2 halls)
The repertoire of the Vakhtangov Theater has more than 50 performances, which is about 700 performances per year. There are actors who are known to the audience not only for playing in the theater, but also for participating in films.
7. Rostov State Musical Theater | Rostov-on-Don
Opening date: 1919 year.
Initially, it was called the Rostov Theater of Musical Comedy, received the title of state in 1931. It was considered the best operetta theater in the USSR.
In 1999, the theater moved to a new building. In shape, it resembles a piano. Now it is called the cultural phenomenon of Russia. Centuries-old traditions are respected here, but there is room for experimentation and innovation. Which one? The theater presents operas, musicals, ballet, rock operas, musical short stories and symphony concerts.
The theater shows more than 300 performances per year. The building also serves as a venue for various music festivals and celebrations.
6. Alexandrinsky Theater | St. Petersburg
Opening date: August 30, 1756.
The theater was founded by decree of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. Its original name is "Russian Theater for the Representations of Tragedies and Comedies."
In 1832, it was renamed Alexandria, in honor of Alexandra Fedorovna, wife of Emperor Nicholas the First.
The oldest theater in Russia with rich architecture. It is a national treasure of the country. On the stage of the theater played all the works of classics of Russian drama. Among his actors are many eminent and illustrious.
The theater was attended by crowned persons, famous scientists, and the military. Among the spectators of the theater are Pushkin, Lermontov, Gogol and other equally famous classics.
5. Yekaterinburg Opera and Ballet Theater | Yekaterinburg
Opening date: 1912 year.
One of the oldest in Russia. The theater was twice awarded the USSR Prize for achievements in the field of culture.
The main pride of the theater is its classical productions. In his repertoire are several dozen operas and ballets. Moreover, each season, the premieres of performances are prepared for the audience.
Talented opera singers, dancers, and directors work here.
4. Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theater | Novosibirsk
Founded in 1945.
The theater building is a symbol and pride of Siberia. The unique architectural complex is striking in its grandeur and scope, its area is more than 40 thousand square meters.
In 2005, they reconstructed, the theater became more modern, equipped.
Of course, the Novosibirsk Theater is famous not only as an architectural structure. Here you can see classical ballet performances, opera, children's performances.
The theater team is rightfully considered one of the best music groups in the country. Artists often participate in international competitions and have many awards.
3. Mikhailovsky Theater | St. Petersburg
Opening date: 1833 year.
The building was built according to the project of the famous Russian architect Bryullov. Its facade is organically inscribed in the ensemble of the square, which was created by the no less famous architect of Russia.
The interior of the theater is pleasing to the eye. Everywhere luxury and wealth. At first, the theater did not have its own troupe, foreign artists and the troupe of the Alexandrinsky Theater performed.
Currently, the theater annually hosts more than 200 productions. The audience is attracted by a good repertoire, the “Queen of Spades” by Pyotr Tchaikovsky occupies a special place.
2. Mariinsky Theater | St. Petersburg
Theater building built in 1860, this date is conditional, so the troupe was formed much earlier (in 1783), and the artists performed at different venues.
The Mariinsky Theater got its name in honor of Maria Alexandrovna, wife of Alexander II.
This magnificent building is able to surprise anyone: multi-figured construction, huge size. The auditorium is even more impressive: sea-green walls, a chic curtain.
The pearl of the Mariinsky Theater has become ... a chandelier. This amazing creation is almost 160 years old. 230 light bulbs and 23 thousand pendants.
The theater management is trying to preserve traditions and great heritage, while remembering to keep up with the times. Therefore, viewers can enjoy both traditional masterpieces and innovative productions from contemporary eminent directors.
1. The Bolshoi Theater | Moscow
At the theater two official opening dates. First - March 1776, Empress Catherine II issues a decree on the construction of the theater, second - January 1985, when a cultural object was built on Theater Square.
The most famous theater in Russia, it is considered one of the best in the world. The huge size and amazing acoustics impress even the most sophisticated audience.
The interior decoration will not leave anyone indifferent: paintings on the ceiling, a large multi-tiered chandelier.
It is believed that the best directors, actors, conductors work in the Bolshoi Theater.
The repertoire of the theater is diverse; there is a place for both traditional classical productions and modern experimental ones.