After time spent traveling around Georgia (the part of the Russian Empire), French writer Alexandre Dumas described the passion with which Tbilisians sought leisure, not least through the Tbilisi Opera House. The older building he went on to wax lyrical was part of a canvasserai and, due to a trade dispute, was burnt down. The building that can be seen today on Rustaveli Avenue was designed by a German and built with the finances of ordinary Tbilisians who loved opera so much that life without it was unimagineable.
Cultural and theater life has been a traditional way for urban Georgians for centuries, involving both local and foreign theater producers in the 19th-20th centuries.
Each theater in Tbilisi has its ownunique character and charm. On Rustaveli Avenue the Opera House and Rustaveli Theater boast stages that have hosted numerous greats. Robert Strurua, a renowned theater producer who was named among theworld’s top 5, works in Rustaveli Theater.
The Opera House was recently renovated to its former glory and houses numerous breath-taking performances of the state ballet, house orchestra, choir and Opera singers. Many world-famous Georgian and European names seasonally grace the Tbilisi stage with their presence, some coming from La Scala; and Georgian performances, too, are staged there, such as Abeselom and Eteri written by composer Zacharia Paliashvili (whose statue can be seen in the garden of the Opera House beside a classical music fountain.
The Tumanashvili Theater, while not as grand in exterior visual, plays host to theater festivals and innovative contemporary works. It is named after Mikheil Tumanishvili who worked extensively to build and strengthen 20th century Georgian theater.
The Marjanishvili is also named after a great 20th century producer and fits in magnificently with its surrounding district for classical 19th century grandeur.
Near Anchiskhati Church is a wonky clock tower- a lanmark denoting the place of the Rezo Gabriadze Puppet Theater. The performances (with English subtitles) are designed for adults and contain a distinct Georgian character as the describe past events, struggles, and the Soviet Union. Pop into the Theater café next dorr for delicious food, drink and to appreciate the truly special décor.
Griboedov Theater located in the bowels of the bright and shiny Galleria Mall on Liberty (Freedom) Square offers performances in Russian, as it has done for many decades. Also there is the Tavisupali Theater offering contemporary shows, while the State Music and Drama Theater is currently hosting Georgia’s heart-warming “first musical” ‘Welcome to Georgia’ as a special introductory treat for new arrivals.
Children are never far from Georgian hearts, and they are catered for at the Akhmeteli Theater at the end of the Metro line (station of the same name) and the Nodar Dumbadze Theater in the Marjanishvili District.
Whether you’re into contemporary or classic, drama or comedy, pantomime, ballet, singing or melancholy classicism, Tbilisi can please with its variety. Be sure to visit one or more shows during your stay here and count yourself among Georgia’s long history of theater lovers.
Akhmateli Theater- 8 Vekua Str. (+995) 2625973
Griboedov Theater- 2 Rustaveli Ave. (+995) 2931106
Marjanishvili Theater- 8 Marjanishvili Str. (+995) 2953582
Music Theater- 182 Aghmashenebeli Ave. (+995) 2348090
Opera House- 25 Rustaveli Ave. (+995) 2990456
Pantomime Theater- 37 Rustaveli Ave. (+995) 2996314
Rustaveli Theater- 17 Rustaveli Ave. (+995) 2726868
Tumanishvili Theater- 164 Aghmashenebeli Ave (+995) 2342899
Gabriadze Theater-13 I. Shavetli Str. (+995) 986590