Today, the Puppet Theatre is housed in a building designed by the renowned Polish architect Józef Kasprowicz Ploszko. Originally constructed for cinema, this venue first opened its doors to the public in the early 20th century under the name “Phenomenon.”
Thirteen years later, the building underwent a significant restoration led by Baku’s chief architect, Ziver-bek Akhmedbekov. Following the renovation, the structure served various purposes; it was home to the satirical theater “Satirgit,” then transitioned to the Musical Comedy Theatre, and later became the Agricultural Museum.
The inaugural performance of the Puppet Theatre took place in 1932, featuring a production titled “The Circus.” The theatre was founded by Molla Agha Babirli a year earlier. In the 1970s, the Puppet Theatre relocated to its current premises, which boasts over 200 seats for its audience.
The Azerbaijan State Puppet Theatre named after Abdullah Shaig was once part of the Azerbaijani Philharmonic and has also performed as an independent theater. In 1964, it was granted the title of State Theatre. The theatre operates two divisions—one in Azerbaijani and the other in Russian. Since 1975, it has expanded its repertoire to include performances not only for children but also for adults. The troupe has participated in numerous European and Asian theatre festivals, showcasing its rich artistic talent and commitment to the performing arts.
