Rustaveli National Theatre

Rustaveli National Theatre also known as Rustaveli State Drama Theatre, is located in Tbilisi, Georgia. The theatre is conveniently situated at 17 Rustaveli Avenue, which is one of the main streets in Tbilisi. It is the country's national dramatic theatre and the largest theatre in The Republic of Georgia.

History

The structure was initially established in 1879 as an "Artists' Society." By the request of the "Artists' Society" several famous artists were commissioned to paint frescoes on the walls and ceilings of the basement. These artists included Russian theatre set designer Serge Sudeikin, Lado Gudiashvili and David Kakabadze etc. Two well-known Georgian painters, Mose and Irakli Toidze, eventually joined the project as well. Unfortunately, the unique masterpieces that once adorned the lower level of the Rustaveli Theatre were whitewashed during the time of Soviet rule and only a little portion of the frescoes has survived.

In 1921 the structure was renamed Rustaveli Theatre. Construction of the theatre was established by Alexander Mantashev and was designed by Cornell K. Tatishchev and Alexander Shimkevich, Tbilisi's Municipal Architect. From 2002 to 2005 the theatre was renovated, which was mostly funded by Georgian businessman, Bidzina Ivanishvili.