Tuesday, 19 Mar, 2024
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Georgian Theatre and Cinema

The very fact that Georgians adore art can't be debated. Can you imagine that the first theatre in Georgia was established in the second century B.C.? Yes, I agree. It was very long time ago. It happened next to Gori, in the ancient town that was carved in a rock and was called Uplistsikhe.
Once, Uplistsikhe was extremely developed town that was located on the Silk Road. One can see more than 100 rooms and halls, main street and the remnants of the plumbing there. But, the main and the most amazing attraction are the scene and the big hall of the ancient theatre.
Much time has passed since then. Nobody gives performances at Uplistsikhe theatre. Though, Georgia definitely doesn't experience the lack of theatres. More than that, we're very proud of the diversity of our theatres. If you're in Tbilisi make sure you visit Z. Paliashvili Opera and Ballet State Theatre at Rustaveli Avenue. Building is decorated in Mauritian style. Narrow columns and beautiful ornaments make theatre incredibly wonderful. Other must-visits are:

  • Marjanishvili State Academic Drama Theatre;
  • Shota Rustaveli State Academic Drama Theatre;
  • Sandro Akhmeteli State Drama Theatre;
  • Alexander Griboedov state academic Russian drama theatre;
  •  Vaso Abashidze State Music and Comedy Theatre and etc.

As for Georgian cinema, its history begins in 1896. On 16 October that year the first Georgian cinema was established. Then in 1912 Vasil Amasukeli filmed first Georgian movie: "Akaki Tsereteli Trip to Racha-lechkhumi". It was documentary based on a real story. Later, in 1916 Alexandre Tsutsunava filmed "Kristine".
Lots of movies have been filmed since then.  Here is the short list of famous representatives of Georgian Cinematography:  Nikoloz Shengelaia, Mikheil Chiaureli, Otar Ioseliani, Sico Dolidze, Kote Mikaberidze, Tengiz Abuladze, Revaz Chkheidze, Alexandre Rekhviashvili, Eldar and Giorgi Shengelaia, Rezo Esadze, Merab Kokochashvili, Nana Mchedlidze, Lana Ghoghoberidze, Nana Jorjadze, Mikheil Kobahidze, Goderdzi Chokheli, Temur Babluani, etc.