The Batumi Ilia Chavchavadze State Drama Theatre, also known as the Batumi Drama Theatre, holds an impressive 150-year history. This landmark of Batumi's cultural landscape consistently delivers captivating performances of Georgian and foreign plays, standing as a testament to the region's rich theatrical tradition.
This storied theatre's journey began on July 20, 1879, sparked by a spirited performance led by the wife of a local police chief and her fellow theatre enthusiasts. This event marked the birth of Georgian theatre in Adjara and led to the construction of Batumi's first theatre building five years later. This inaugural edifice accommodated an audience of up to 450 people (approximately 450 square meters or 4843.8 square feet of seating space).
The theatre's journey continued with the opening of a new building on March 18, 1937. From then, the theatre has undergone substantial renovations, particularly between 2015 and 2018, with the generous support of the international charity foundation “Cartu”. Now, it houses three stages fitted with state-of-the-art technology, catering to the evolving demands of contemporary performance art.
Besides the mainstage performances, the theatre extends its cultural offering with a museum dedicated to Gaioz (Kukuri) Gogiberidze, a People’s Artist of Georgia. This museum is a treasure trove of archival materials, photographic, video, and audio records, personal records of theatre staff, rehearsal and performance diaries, programs, posters, booklets, and albums. The theatre opens its doors at 19:00 most nights, presenting both Georgian and international plays, alongside hosting creative evenings, meetings, and exhibitions in the attached museum.
Adapted to accommodate people with disabilities, this theatre is designed for 480 spectators, ensuring accessibility for all. The theatre’s legacy and vibrant performances extend beyond Georgia's borders, with regular tours across European countries and participations in prestigious festivals and theatre forums. The Batumi Ilia Chavchavadze State Drama Theatre stands as a monument to the ongoing development of Batumi's theatrical art, intertwining a rich history with a future-forward approach to performance.
