The Tbilisi Professional State Theater of Musical Comedy and Drama named after Vaso Abashidze is one of the leading cultural institutions of Georgia, which has played a significant role in the development of the country's theatrical art. Founded in 1934 by Mikheil Chiaureli and David Dzneladze, the theater continued the traditions of the Georgian traveling music and drama theater "Kooptheater", which existed since 1926.
The theater got its name in honor of the famous Georgian actor and playwright Vaso Abashidze and is known for its bright and memorable productions. Many famous Georgian and foreign works were presented here for the first time, including the first Georgian operetta “Hajarat” by Kurtidi, as well as the performances “Three Brides” by Kereselidze, “Beloved Niece” by Milorava, “Dragonfly” by Gabichvadze, “Song of Tbilisi” by Milorava and many others.
Honored artists of the Georgian SSR, such as M. Beriashvili, K. Kobakhidze, V. Salaridze, E. Chokheli and others, who made a significant contribution to the development of theatrical art, worked and are working as part of the theater troupe.
Since 2005, the theater has been called the Tbilisi Theater of Music and Drama named after Vaso Abashidze. Under the leadership of artistic director David Teimurazovich Doiashvili and in collaboration with composer Nika Memarnishvili, the theater has implemented many successful projects, including “Marlene Dietrich”, “Partition” by Camus, “City under Siege” by Radzinsky, “Waste Paper” by Puccini, “Wedding on a Bill”, "Mary Poppins" and many others.
The theater also actively includes young actors in its composition, such as Nanka Kalatozishvili, David Beshitaishvili, Buba Gogorishvili, which contributes to the renewal and development of theatrical art in Georgia. The Tbilisi Theater of Music and Drama named after Vaso Abashidze continues to be one of the most significant and respected cultural centers in the country, making a significant contribution to the cultural heritage of Georgia.
