Grand Drama Theatre

The first performance of the Bolshoi Drama Theatre was Don Carlos by Friedrich Schiller. The performance took place on February 15, 1919 at the Conservatory Opera Studio. Its director was Andrei Lavrentiev. The music for the play was written by Boris Asafyev. The first artistic director of the theater was appointed A. Blok. In 1920, the theater was given the building of the Small Imperial Theatre on Fontanka. The theatre is still here to this day. The building of the Small Imperial Theatre was built by the architect Fontana in 1876-1878. Its majestic appearance and magnificent interiors earned him the fame of one of the most beautiful theaters in the world.

In 1956, G.A. Tovstonogov headed the theater, who led the theater for 33 years. This time is called the era of Tovstonogov. Georgy Alexandrovich gathered wonderful actors around him, staged 176 performances, many of which were included in the golden fund of the Soviet theater. At this time, the theater gained worldwide fame and recognition.

Today BDT remains one of the leading drama theaters in Russia. His repertoire includes performances based on the works of Russian and world classics, plays by modern playwrights. The theater is still attractive for St. Petersburgers and guests of the city.