Ganja State National Drama Theatre

According to historical sources, a small theatre troupe existed in Ganja as early as 1895. On 21 October 1895, performances based on plays by M. F. Akhundzade and N. B. Vazirov, prominent thinkers and public figures of their time, were staged for the first time through the special efforts of Ganja’s local educators and the participation of amateur performers. The Ganja Muslim Society, established in 1906, played a particularly important role in the development of theatre in the city.

In 1910, A. B. Hagverdiyev established a theatre composed of local amateur performers. Its main repertoire included Agha Mohammad Shah Qajar and The Broken Union by A. B. Hagverdiyev, Al-Mansur by N. Heine, Ignorance by N. Narimanov, The Homeland by N. Kamal, and other works. These productions were received with great interest.

It should also be noted that in 1915, the first drama troupe composed of students from the Girls’ School was established in Ganja. At various times, the troupe was directed by Asad Shikhzamanov. In 1916, M. J. Amirov’s opera Seyfulmulk was staged there for the first time.

During the same period, a drama club operated under the Trade Union Club. Although it had a talented acting company and a diverse repertoire, it did not hold official state theatre status. Prominent director Adil Isgandarov, renowned actress Barat Shekinskaya, director and actor Mir Ibrahim Hamzayev, and other artists worked with this troupe.

On 18 May 2021, the Ganja State Drama Theatre celebrated the 100th anniversary of receiving state status. On 18 May 1921, an official decree was issued by the Council of People’s Commissars for Education of Azerbaijan. Actors who had previously performed in various separate troupes were brought together to form a single theatre company.

During the early years of Soviet rule, responsibility for managing the theatre was assigned to the Department of Arts under the People’s Commissariat for Education of Azerbaijan. The department was headed by the distinguished writer A. B. Hagverdiyev.

From 1921 to 1925, the theatre was known as the Baku Free Theatre of Criticism and Propaganda; from 1925 to 1927, as the Baku Turkic Workers’ and Peasants’ Theatre; and from 1927 to 1932, as the Baku Turkic Workers’ Theatre. On 28 December 1932, the theatre and its creative company relocated to Ganja, where it has continued its successful activities to this day.

On 16 May 2024, the Ganja State Drama Theatre was granted “National” status.