Drama Theater named after Shalva Dadiani in Zugdidi

The Shalva Dadiani Drama Theater in Zugdidi, also known as the Zugdidi Drama Theater, is a significant cultural center that has existed for more than a century. A place where lovers of the performing arts can enjoy a variety of performances and theatrical productions.

The first mention of theatrical activity in Zugdidi dates back to the second half of the 19th century, when Anton Furtseladze staged Moliere’s first play “Doctor-Dragon” on April 11, 1869. In 1932, the first professional drama theater in the city was founded, which in 1959 received the name of the outstanding Georgian playwright Shalva Dadiani. The theater's professional productions attracted many spectators, and since then the theater has become one of the key cultural institutions in the region.

The theater offers a varied program, including both classical and contemporary plays, and provides audiences with a unique opportunity to meet outstanding artists and directors. Works by both Georgian and foreign playwrights have been and continue to be staged on its stage, including Sandro Shanshiashvili, Boris Lavrenev, Akaki Tsereteli, Lope de Vega, Otia Ioseliani and many others.

At different times, such outstanding personalities as R. Kartvelishvili, V. Daraseli, L. Chedia, Irakli Gamrekeli and many others worked in the theater, which allowed the theater to maintain a high professional level and reputation as a unique cultural institution.

The Shalva Dadiani Drama Theater in Zugdidi is a must-visit place for everyone who appreciates theatrical art and wants to plunge into the atmosphere of Georgian culture and traditions. Visits to the theater provide not only artistic satisfaction, but also in-depth cultural enrichment.