Lights, music, action! Let's embark on a remarkable journey through the stages, scenes, and stories of the Kutaisi Meliton Balanchivadze Opera and Ballet Professional State Theatre. More than just a theatre, it's a living testament to Georgian culture, artistry, and resilience, nestled in the heart of the historic city of Kutaisi.
Imagine the year 1861. Georgian visionaries, Kirile Lortkipanidze, Dimitri Bakradze, and Akaki Tsereteli, felt a stirring in their souls to bring theatrical performances to life in their beloved city. Thus, the narrative of the Kutaisi Opera Theatre began. With the establishment of a permanent troupe by the charismatic actor Kote Meshki in 1880, the tale intensified, all unfolding under the roof of a theatre funded by art patron Stephane Kharazishvili.
Fast forward to the 1940s, tragedy struck. Flames consumed the original theatre, leaving behind only ashes and memories. But, like a phoenix, the theatre emerged from the devastation, transformed into a 453-seat (or 417.6 square meter) opera house in the 1970s. A tangible link to the past, one wall of the original structure, facing Rustaveli Street, proudly adorns the modern edifice.
As the curtain lifted on its new stage on December 27th, 1969, the theatre hummed with anticipation. The melody of Zakaria Paliashvili’s opera Abesalom and Eteri filled the air, heralding a promising future for the rejuvenated theatre.
In 2010, the Kutaisi Opera Theatre underwent another metamorphosis. Its interior was revitalized, columns reimagined, and a new entrance greeted theatre-goers. Adorning its roof are thirteen Roman figures, the handiwork of local sculptor Giorgi Kikvadze, standing sentinel over the city's cultural scene.
Today, the theatre carries the name of Meliton Balanchivadze, a maestro of Georgian music and the father of the world-renowned ballet master George Balanchine. This tribute echoes the theatre's connection to Georgia's operatic heritage and its ongoing commitment to the arts.
Whether you're an opera aficionado, a ballet buff, or an architecture enthusiast, a visit to the Kutaisi Opera Theatre will be an unforgettable experience. It's not just about the performances on the stage; it's about stepping into a time capsule of history and culture, all wrapped in the melodious legacy of Georgian music.
