Shusha State Musical Drama Theatre is one of the musical drama theatres operating in Azerbaijan.
The theatre was founded in February 1938 as the Shusha State Collective and State Farm Theatre. In 1943, it was renamed the Shusha State Musical Drama Theatre and was named after Uzeyir Hajibeyli. Alongside dramas and comedies, the theatre staged operas and operettas.
The theatre ceased operations in early 1949. Later, local enthusiasts continued theatrical activities through drama clubs and the People’s Theatre.
Following a decision of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan (May 11, 1990) and the Ministry of Culture (May 25, 1992), the theatre’s activity was restored. In 1992, due to the Karabakh events, the theatre relocated to Baku.
From 1992 to 2005, it was housed in the Young Spectators’ Theatre building. Since 2005, it has operated in the Savalan Cinema building in Baku. The theatre’s first performance in Baku was Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s musical comedy “Arshin Mal Alan” on February 13, 1993.
The repertoire includes works by Mirza Fatali Akhundov, Abdurrahim bey Hagverdiyev, Jafar Jabbarli, Samad Vurgun, Sabit Rahman, Mirza Ibrahimov, and other Azerbaijani and international playwrights.
The theatre’s Chief Director is Honored Artist Logman Karimov.
