History of creation of the Mikhail Lermontov Theater in Kazakhstan

The Mikhail Lermontov National Russian Drama Theater in Kazakhstan was opened in 1933. The first performance “Spring love” staged by the first director of the theater, Y.L. Rutkovsky, took place in Semei city, since a building for the theater had not been built yet in the capital city. Then, the theater moved to Almaty and began its creative career with the staging of the “Fear” play based on the stage play by playwright Alexander Afinogenov.

The theater’s staff included the actors like E. Kruchinina, Z. Morskaya, S. Assuirova, M. Brand and others.

The directors such as L. Varpakhovsky, M. Goldblat, G. Tovstonogov, B. Bibikov, O. Pyzhova, A. Ridal made a significant contribution to the creation of the “Golden fund” of the Russian drama theater in Kazakhstan.

In 1964, the theater was named after Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov, and the word “Lermontovians” became familiar to all the theater lovers.

In the recent years, the theater has been actively participating in the Kazakh and international festivals, representing a national culture at various theatrical forums. In 2003, the theatrical community of the country celebrated the 70th anniversary of the “Lermontovka” and theater’s contribution to a cultural life of the country.

A life of the theater today

The achievements in the field of theater include the performances “Balcony” by Yermek Amanshayev and “Ascent to Fujiyama” by a national writer Kaltai Mukhamedzhanov and the Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov.

In April 2014, Igor Gonopolsky’s play “The Hotel of Two Worlds” participated in the annual festival of the Russian theaters “Meetings in Russia” in St. Petersburg, organized by the Baltic House Theater.

In 2013, the M. Y. Lermontov State Academic Russian Drama Theater celebrated its 80th anniversary. One of the oldest and most famous in the country, it remains faithful to the traditions of the classical theater school and the principle of continuity of generations.

The Lermontov Theater is one of the most popular theaters in Kazakhstan. It employs People’s Artists, the Honored Figures and Honored Artists of the country. In addition, the theater has the laureates of the state prize of both the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation.

Ruben Andriasyan, People’s Artist of Kazakhstan, was the most famous and honorary member of the collective. His play “Memorial Prayer” was highly appreciated by critics and became one of the iconic works of the theater.

A renewal of the troupe and appearance of the young talented artists, including the graduates of the Zhurgenov Academy is an important component of a successful work of the theater. Furthermore, the Lermontov Theater actively promotes its name through the official blog on the Internet, draws attention to its inspired work, attracting the new spectators.