Konstantine Gamsakhurdia Sokhumi State Drama Theatre stands as one of Georgia’s most distinguished cultural institutions, with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1885. A resilient cornerstone of national culture, the theatre has endured immense challenges, including the tragic events of the 1990s: the Georgian-Russian war, which forced the theatre and its troupe into exile from Abkhazia.
Displaced from their homeland, the theatre initially performed on various stages in Tbilisi. Later, Sokhumi Theatre found a permanent home and, in recent years, has been welcoming audiences at Dimitri Uznadze Street No. 68. Since 2023, it has been equipped with a modern lighting system, and its 235-seat hall is named after Dimitri Jaiani, a renowned actor and long-time artistic director of the theatre.
Since 2014, the theatre has flourished under the leadership of David Sakvarelidze, a visionary theatre and opera director, arts manager, and composer, internationally recognized for his innovative productions. Sakvarelidze, a pivotal figure in Georgian theatre, is also the General Director of the Tsinandali Festival, Principal Director of the Rustaveli National Theatre (since 2024), and President of UNESCO’s International Theatre Institute Georgian National Centre. His leadership has brought numerous groundbreaking projects to life, both locally and internationally. Today, David Sakvarelidze remains one of the dominant figures in the Georgian theatre world, with a focus on realizing international projects that aim to introduce Georgia to the global stage.
Highlights from Recent Years
Under Sakvarelidze’s artistic direction, the Sokhumi Theatre has become a hub for significant cultural exchanges:
• 2022: Renowned German actor and director Martin Wuttke visited Tbilisi, offering invaluable insights to actors, students, and theatre professionals.
• 2023: Premieres of three new productions, including the international project: “Playing Kabuki” (Dir. David Papava), “Rhinoceros” (Dir. Zurab Getsadze), and “Suddenly, Last Summer” (Dir. Jason Hale).
• A masterclass led by acclaimed director Dmitry Krymov.
• A charity concert titled Ukraine + Georgia – Standing Together.
• Participation in the Sibiu International Performing Arts Market at the Sibiu International Theatre Festival, alongside performances at the Istanbul International Theatre Festival.
In 2024, the theatre hosted the European interdisciplinary festival Into the Open (ITO) and co-organized the Tbilisi International Festival of Children’s and Youth Theatres for the fourth consecutive year. Additionally, it entered a new phase of international collaboration by signing a memorandum with the International Association of Theatre Leaders (IATL).
2025: A Year of Milestones
2025 started with another significant project for Sokhumi Theatre: Konstantine Gamsakhurdia Sokhumi State Drama Theatre, with David Sakvarelidze’s production “Yakish and Poupche”, has been invited to participate in Berlin’s ITO (Into the Open) Festival. The performance of this bittersweet comedy will take place at Berlin’s Kühlhaus on January 30, 2025.
As the Sokhumi Theatre marks its 140th anniversary, it is poised to expand its cultural and creative initiatives, enhancing its presence both locally and globally. This year, the theatre aims to strengthen its legacy as a pillar of Georgian theatre and a beacon of artistic innovation.
