Nestled in the heart of Kutaisi’s central square stands a remarkable monument to Georgia’s vibrant performing arts tradition - the Kutaisi Lado Meskhishvili Professional State Drama Theater. Erected in the 1950s, it stands on hallowed ground that has been a hub of thespian activity since the 1860s.
The drama theater's story reads like a script of a compelling play. Imagine the curtain raising for the first time in 1861, with an earnest troupe of amateur actors presenting Giorgi Eristavi’s play 'The Family Settlement.' A few years later, in 1880, the troupe turned professional under the adept leadership of the acclaimed actor-director, Kote Meskhi.
From 1894 to 1905, Lado Aleksi-Meskhishvili, another luminary of Georgian theater, led the institution, leaving an indelible mark on its history. Such was his impact that the theater was renamed in his honor in 1940. Fast forward to 1955, the theater opens its grand new building, a spectacle in its own right, that could seat an impressive 1,100 people (or around 830 in the main hall and a smaller, more intimate hall for 100).
A museum was added to the venue in 2008, serving as a living testament to the theater's illustrious past. Today, as the theater revels in its 162nd season (as of 2022), it stands not just as a monument, but a living, breathing testament to the region's culture.
The Kutaisi Drama Theater is an architectural gem and a symbol of Kutaisi itself, proudly boasting two stages. Each stage hums with a vibrant repertoire of 24 performances spanning all genres, catering to an array of artistic tastes. As a cultural ambassador, the theater participates in numerous Georgian and international contests and festivals and shares a friendship memorandum with six theaters across Europe and Asia.
With the artistic director, Konstantine Abashidze, at the helm, the theater's policy promotes a delightful blend of classic and contemporary plays. It also champions the promotion of Georgian theater and culture, both domestically and internationally, while nurturing an intelligent, state-minded younger generation.
So, whether you're a lover of architecture, a history buff, or a theater enthusiast, the Kutaisi Lado Meskhishvili Professional State Drama Theater beckons you with open arms. Come experience a slice of Kutaisi that has been delighting audiences for over a century and a half!
