The Yakub Kolas Academic Drama Theatre

The Yakub Kolas Academic Drama Theatre (then the Second Belarusian State Drama Theatre BST-2) was opened in Vitebsk on 21 November 1926. It emerged from the Belarusian drama studio which existed under the Moscow Art Theatre from 1921 to 1926 under the artistic guidance of V. Smyshlyaev with B.Afonin as stage director. Among Studio’s graduates were People’s Artists of USSR A. Il’inski, P.Molchanov, S.Stanyuta, People’s Artists of BSSR M.Belinskaya, Y.Glebovskaya, R.Koshelnikova, E.Rodzyalovskaya, T.Sergeychik and others. One of the best traditions of the theatre rooted in the 20’s— 30’s is its close cooperation with Belarusian dramatists and writers. Among its authors were Y.Kupala,Y.Kolas, P.Glebka, E.Samuylyonok, K.Chorny. The most important productions of Belarusian classics are “Pavlinka”, ”In-Laws” by Yanka Kupala, ”War on War”, ”In the Forests of Polesie”, ”Thunderstorm is coming” (after the trilogy “At the Crossroads”), ”Symon the Musician” by Yakub Kolas. Since 1941 in the repertory of the theatre is preserved the production “Nestserka” by V.Volski directed by B Loyter. In 1944 the theatre was honoured with the name of Yakub Kolas for the achievements in development of national culture.

Russian and foreign classics also occupies an important place in the repertory of the theatre. The production “Girl without dowry” directed by V.Darvishev in 1936 became the first realization of A. Ostrovski’s work on the Belarusian stage. The production of H.Ibsen’s “Ghosts”, L.Tostoy’s “Power of Darkness”, N.Gogol’s “Government Inspector”, V. Mayakovski’s “Bedbug”, E.Orzeszkowa’s “Boor” and others became real artistic accomplishments.

In 1977 the company was entitled to the name of Academic theatre. The chief artistic director is the Laureate of International Festivals Vitaly M.Barkovski. The administrative director is the Honoured Artist of the Republic Grigory I. Shat’ko. Theatre’s recent productions also recieved appriciation. The production “Black Bride” after the poem by A.Dudarev “Black Lady of Nieswiez” directed by Barkovski was acclaimed the best Belarusian theatre presentation of 1999. The production “Because I love...” after E.Popova’s play “Day of the Ship” directed by V. Barkovski was awarded the Chief Prize for direction at the First National Festival of the Belarusian Drama (1998).

Address:
2 Zamkovaya St., Vitebsk, 210026, Republic of Belarus, 
tel. 36-42-13, fax 36-07-83