The M. Gorky State Russian Drama Theater in Makhachkala has celebrated its 100th anniversary with a grand ceremony, attended by the head of Dagestan, Sergey Melikov, according to a TASS correspondent.
“Our theater has always been, and remains, a cultural center that unites all the peoples of Dagestan. On its stage, we see not only classical and contemporary plays, but also the finest works of Dagestani playwrights,” said Melikov in his speech at the event.
He also emphasized the theater’s major role in encouraging young people to appreciate the arts and in fostering cultural cooperation.
“Over the course of the theater’s century-long history, many generations of directors, actors, and technical staff have come and gone. Today, we honor the memory of those who are no longer with us, whose hard work built and sustained the theater. It is gratifying that the current team continues the outstanding traditions of their predecessors and upholds the high standards of artistic excellence. Many prominent figures from Dagestan’s radio and television, as well as writers and poets, started their careers here," Melikov added.
Before the main event, the head of the region toured a special exhibition at the Museum of Theater History in Dagestan. The exhibition showcased unique artifacts related to the formation and development of theater in Dagestan and the history of the Russian Theater. The museum highlights the work of directors, actors, artists, and playwrights from the region.
About the Theater
Founded in 1924, the Russian Theater became the first professional theater in Dagestan.
With its opening, a drama studio was also established, laying the foundation for the creation of national theaters. In recent years, the theater has focused its repertoire on classical works, including Anton Chekhov's Uncle Vanya, Alexander Ostrovsky's Guilty Without Guilt, Nikolai Gogol's Diary of a Madman, John Patrick's Dear Pamela, Janusz Głowacki's Antigone in New York, Maxim Gorky's The Last Ones, and Gerhart Hauptmann's Before Sunset. The theater has also increased its touring activities, performing in cities across Russia, such as Voronezh, Volgograd, Vladikavkaz, Kaluga, and Moscow.
The theater is an active participant in many international and national festivals, including events in North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Astrakhan, and Moscow, where it has won numerous prestigious awards. Notably, the play Diary of a Madman, directed by Skandarbek Tulparov, won the Grand Prix at a festival in North Macedonia.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Theatre named after M. Gorky
Based on TASS materials