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Gabriadze Theatre
13, Ioane Shavtelis St., Tbilisi
About our Theatre “But my dream came true. I went back to painting and sculpture, and this time forever. I am grateful to my fate, to the puppets, and my small troupe, rustling softly in dark corners of this old building.” Rezo Gabriadze Though modest in size, The Gabriadze Theatre is among the world’s preeminent cultural institutions. Presenting mature puppet performances full of depth and meaning, it has gained the respect and recognition of international audiences and critics alike. Based in its home theatre in Tbilisi, Georgia, the company is under the direction of a noted artist, writer, and director Rezo Gabriadze (whose awards include Commander of the Order of Arts and Letters of the French Republic – France’s highest recognition for cultural achievements.) The Gabriadze Theatre has toured extensively, its recent venues including: Lincoln Center Festival in New York; The Edinburgh Festival; Bogota Theatre Festival; San Sebastian Festival, Spain; Toronto World Stage Festival; The Barbican Centre, London; Theatre de la Ville, Paris; The Kennedy Center Festival, Washington, D.C.; the Theatre Art Studio in Moscow. The Gabriadze Theatre stands in the heart of Tbilisi’s historic Old Town. The beautiful building of the unique marionette theatre was designed by Gabriadze himself. Among the shows in its current repertoire are: “The Autumn of My Spring”, “Stalingrad”, “Ramona”, “Diamond of Marshal de Fant’e”. “Gabriadze himself is a Georgian national treasure. I saw his marionette version of the Battle of Stalingrad when I first came to Tbilisi 10 years ago and fell in love with the city. I was ushered into a dank, run-down basement, where I watched, enthralled, as Gabriadze’s tiny puppet tanks advanced to the rousing strains of Shostakovich. It was unforgettable. “ The New York Times
Gabriadze Theatre
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The Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater is a unique and unparalleled gem in the theatrical world, where every performance becomes a true form of magic, blending puppetry, dramaturgy, and deep philosophy.
The theater's journey began in 1981, when Georgian director and artist Rezo Gabriadze, known for his distinctive and vibrant style, decided to create a theater where puppets come to life, telling stories of life, love, and suffering. His vision was to make theater accessible and understandable to audiences of all ages while maintaining an atmosphere of magic and mystery.
The Gabriadze Theater quickly gained popularity, not only in Georgia but also beyond its borders. Its performances consistently delighted audiences and left a lasting impression, creating devoted fans of this theatrical phenomenon. Over the years, the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater has become a cultural icon, continuing to attract viewers of all ages and nationalities.
Unique Features of the Theater's Artistry and Productions
The Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater is a place where the traditions of puppetry seamlessly blend with modern theatrical elements, creating unique works of art. In this theater, marionettes are not merely characters, but true symbols of human emotions and ideas. What sets the Gabriadze Theater apart is its ability to harmonize ancient traditions with new theatrical languages.
Here are several key features that make its productions unique:
- Mastery of Puppetry: Each puppet is a carefully crafted character, made by hand, with its own unique personality.
- Deep Philosophical Subtext: The performances address significant life questions — love, death, loneliness.
- Integration of Tradition and Modernity: The theater combines classical elements with contemporary theatrical forms and technologies.
- Musical Accompaniment: Music enhances the emotional atmosphere of the performances.
- Universality and Accessibility: The productions are understood and enjoyed by audiences of all ages.
These features make the Rezo Gabriadze Theater a truly unique artistic phenomenon. It preserves the traditions of puppetry while introducing new ideas and approaches. The theater continues to evolve, maintaining its distinctive style and attracting audiences both in Tbilisi and on the world stage.
The Significance of the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theater in the Cultural Life of Tbilisi and the World
The Rezo Gabriadze Theater occupies a special place in the cultural life of Tbilisi and the world, becoming a true gem of theatrical tradition. Its unique productions attract audiences not only in Georgia but also beyond its borders. It is a place where puppet theater traditions meet contemporary theatrical ideas, creating unforgettable performances. For those who want to be part of this magic, tickets to the theater can be purchased to immerse yourself in the creative atmosphere of Rezo Gabriadze.
When the question arises of where to go in Tbilisi, the Gabriadze Theater will always be among the must-see attractions. It is not only a cultural site but also a place that embodies the spirit of the city and its artistic traditions.
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