Small drama theater: about the theater, repertoire, troupe

The Small Drama Theater is one of the oldest in Russia. Since 1988, his artistic director is an actor Yuri Solomin. Address - Theater Way, house number 1.

About the theater

The Moscow Small Drama Theater was established in1756 year. It was then that the first troupe was assembled. The opening of the institution took place on the orders of Empress Elizabeth Petrovna. "Small" - was the first professional theater in our country.

His troupe presented the first performance "The Marriage of Figaro" to the public in January 1787. The repertoire then included Russian and foreign classics.

In 1803 the theater was divided into two troupes - drama and opera. Each had its own repertoire. But the management and the building of both troupes were common.

In 1824 the theater received its own premises - the former mansion of the merchant Vargin. In it it is located to this day.

In 1822 a new actor appeared in the troupe - the legendary MS Shchepkin. In the second half of the XIX century for the theater they wrote plays by A. Ostrovsky, I. S. Turgenev and many others.

Here was a triumphant debut and startedcareer of the great actress MN Ermolova. M. Shchepkin opened a school for the future actors at the theater. In 1938 it was transformed into a school. And since 1943 - in high school.

Today, the Small Drama Theater is an adherent of the traditions of the past. The basis of the repertoire is composed of classical works.

Each season the theater presents 4-5 premieresperformances. The troupe is touring all over the world. "Small" is the organizer of the All-Russian festival "Ostrovsky in the House of Ostrovsky". It is conducted in order to support provincial troupes.

The Small Theater is a national treasure.