Academic Russian Drama Theatre
Academic Russian Drama Theatre of Uzbekistan was founded on 21 of October, 1934 by Vasiliy Chirkin and Michail Vulkonskiy and opened with the premiere of "Intervention", the play by L. Slavin. They invited to the theatre troupe such famous actors of their time as A. Zagarova, E. Lenina, A. Shestakov, N. Firsov, L. Petrova, G. Zagurskaya, O. Andreeva and others. It was a real celebration for Tashkent intellectuals - in the light of new gas lamps, the audience flocked to the theatre on foot and by first taxis that had just started running in Tashkent. Until now, this theatre remains a popular meeting place for true theatre-goers and connoisseurs of dramatic art.
The basis of the repertoire has been modern plays, dealing with current issues, taking into consideration social, moral and ethical questions. At various times, the plays of V. Vishnevski, A. Arbuzov, K. Simonov, V. Rozov, M. Roshchin, I. Dvoretski, A. Salynski, A. Gelman, M. Shatrov, A. Chhaidze and many others have been produced.
The theatre has played a significant role in the development of theatrical culture in Uzbekistan, enriching the repertoire and achievements of Uzbek dramatic art. The plays of famous Uzbek playwrights, Khamza, N. Safarova, A. Kahhar, S. Azimov, M. Shejhzade, S. Ahmad, and T. Zulfikarov, have also been staged. The activity of the Russian theatre is an example of the creative commonwealth of the two national cultures. Many performances are among the number of its significant achievements of theatrical art from the thirties to the fifties. These include "Boris Godunov" (1935), "Peter I" (1938), "Masquerade" (1939), "Three sisters" (1941), "Gore ot uma" (1944), "At a brisk pace" (1949), and "Dachniki" (1952). The theatre has become a creative center of realistic art, in which dedication to the vital truth is combined with vivid theatricality.
Most plays of this Tashkent theatre became the “golden fund’ of achievements of theatrical art of 1930-1950. These are “Boris Godunov”, “Peter I”, “Masquerade”, “Three sisters”, "Wit Works Woe", “In a Busy Place”, “Summer Residents”. In 1967 the theatre obtained the status of Academic theatre.
Since 90s, Vladimir Shapiro has become the Art Director of the theatre. His direction is featured by clearness of conception and imagination, laconicism and consistency of the embodiment, relevance and importance of the idea. During this time, about 45 performances of different genres, by authors of different countries and cultures, have been staged. But every time the theatrer extracts from dramatic works that most important thing which is essential for the theatere here and now. It is, the same as before, a dialogue both with everybody and each one individually. Excellent acting, the Director’s discoveries and wonderful scenery make the spectator coexist, sympathize and fully empathize with the actors on the stage. This is surprising and at the same time it is quite natural for this theatre. Today, the theatre staff, brought up on the artistic traditions and modern achievements of world theatres, present their new performances to the audience.
Today the group of actors consists of well known actors and directors. Its initial cast: V. Chirkin and E. Prostov (direction), A. Zagarov, E. Lenina, A. Shestakov, N. Firsov, L. Petrova, G. Zagurskaja, P. Davydov, O. Andreeva, O. Gerasimova, A. Rozantsev, N. Hachaturov and others. The cast from the very beginning has been quite strong and has defined the character of the creativity of the theatre. The repertoire of the theatre offers various plays of modern foreign and Russian playwrights.
Address: 24, Ataturk Str., Tashkent, 100029
Phone: (+998 71) 233 42 10, 233 81 65, 233 97 15
E-mail: [email protected]
Web-site: http://www.ardt.uz/
Plays are held: on weekdays at 18:30, on Saturday and Sunday at 17:00
Ticket price: 2-4 US$
