Theaters of Belarus

With its high feelings and emotions and an eye contact between actors and the audience, theater remains one of the most favorite arts in Belarus. Today the country has 28 professional theaters that premiered around 120 productions based on the works of Belarusian playwrights in 2015. Last year, the theaters that drew the largest audience were the National Academic Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater of Belarus, the Belarusian State Academic Music Theater, and the Maxim Gorky National Academic Drama Theater.

Every year, Belarus plays host to a variety of theater festivals that bring together companies from dozens of countries. The international festivals Belaya Vezha in Brest, M@rt.contact in Mogilev, Puppets over the Neman and the festival of street arts Grand Teatro in Grodno, Slavonic Theater Meetings in Gomel, and the theater projects of the Slavonic Bazaar in Vitebsk have become the pivotal events in the cultural life of the Belarusian cities. The old Nesvizh Castle hosts Evenings of the Bolshoi Theater in the Radziwill Castle, and the city of Bobruisk celebrates the Vintsent Dunin-Martsinkievich National Drama Festival. Throughout a year, the Belarusian capital welcomes participants of the festivals TEART, Teatralny Kufar, the Belarusian Festival of Puppet Theaters, the Minsk International Christmas Opera Forum, the Ballet Summer at the Bolshoi, the Minsk Forum of Street Theaters, and other events.

It is true that the main magic happens on stage: legendary productions, exciting premieres, experimental performances, and tours. However, many Belarusian theaters are famous not only thanks to their repertoire, actors and eventful history, but also due to their buildings recognized as the 19th and 20th century architectural gems.

In anticipation of World Theatre Day, we invite you on a virtual tour of Belarusian theaters…