Overview:

Gorky Drama Theatre in Minsk is the only theatre in Belarus that specializes in productions of classic Russian and Belarusian drama. The main stage of the theatre is named after Russian playwright Maxim Gorky, and the repertoire includes works by Moliere, Gogol, Ostrovsky, Chekhov and Belorussian playwrights such as Matvei Kagan, Gleb Gorbovsky, and Vladimir Tsaryov. Performances range from straight drama to comedies, and also include alternative theatrical forms such as radio and puppet theatres. Gorky Drama Theatre often collaborates with theatres and artists from the former Soviet Union as well as from Europe and overseas. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Belarus
Prominent Features:

1. Built in the Socialist-Realist style with bright red and yellow colors, the Gorky Drama Theatre in Minsk is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. 2. It was designed by Aleksandr Gerasimov and built from 1947-1949. 3. The building is roughly shaped like an hourglass with entrances at either end. 4. Inside, there is a grand foyer with giant marble columns and Soviet-style chandeliers. 5. The interior features an abundance of beautiful, ornate decoration including original works of art, floral patterned carpets, and gold accents. 6. The theater is home to performances of classical Russian works, operas, and ballets. 7. The theatre has served the community for over four decades and it remains one of Minsk's main cultural institutions. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Belarus.

History:

Gorky Drama Theatre in Minsk is one of the oldest professional theatres in Belarus and was founded in 1903. The Early Years At that time, theater performances were considered a privilege of the wealthy classes in Minsk. For years, the theatre was owned by private individuals as stock companies. The first professional play in the theatre was the "Baltic Dance" by Wolf Mehilovich Vinogradov, that took place in 1903. The Soviet Years In 1918, the theatre passed into the ownership of the local government in Minsk and became a state theater. It went under the name of “Gorky Drama Theatre” in honor of Maxim Gorky, Russia's most famous Realist writer and founder of the Soviet Union. During that period, the theater put on productions of plays by Soviet playwrights, including Ilya Kamanin, Nikolai Pogodin and Andrey Platonov. In 1934, during Stalin's era, the theater was renamed the Minsk Theater of the Russian Troupe, and was headed by the director and actor Matvey Zakharov. In 1952, it was again renamed the "Gorky Drama Theater", which is its current name. Recent History In 2009, the Gorky Drama Theater reopened its doors to the public and celebrated its 106th anniversary. It continues to feature various plays and performances from Belarus, Russia, Europe and the United States. The theater also serves as a venue for world-renowned ballet, opera, and puppet shows. All performances at the Gorky Drama Theatre are open to the public. Since its reopening in 2009, the theater has become a beloved cultural and entertainment hub in Minsk, where people of all ages can enjoy a variety of shows and performances. Visit one of the famous monuments of Belarus with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Gorky Drama Theatre is one of the largest theaters in Minsk. 2. The Gorky Drama Theatre was opened in 1934. 3. It has a seating capacity of 864 people. 4. The theater produces plays in both Russian and Belarusian. 5. It is the home theater of the legendary Belarussian actor, Yury Belorusets. 6. Many famous plays have premiered here, such as Fyodor Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment. 7. The theater hosts the International Festival of Young Directors, held annually. 8. The Gorky Drama Theatre has hosted guest productions from Ukraine, Russia, Lithuania, and other countries. 9. In 2018, the theater was awarded for its work on the theatrical adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s book, War and Peace. 10. It has been described as the “heart and soul” of the Belarussian theatrical community. One of the historical monuments of Belarus, it tells the story of a bygone era