Baku is a great destination for everyone interested in arts and culture, and for those looking for some exquisite representation of eastern artistic legacy. Fall is the time when all the theatres in the city open their doors to guests, welcoming them to see phenomenal plays, operas and ballets in their majestic halls.
Theatres are not just there for the entertainment, but for learning the stories of individuals, country and the whole society. As storytelling has always been a big part of humanity, helping us to communicate through centuries, theatre has played a huge role in teaching us about global history. Thus, everyone visiting Azerbaijan should add a cultural theatrical evening to the list of their Baku itinerary.
Probably one of the best representations of the 20th century’s architecture is the building of Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. Built in the 1910th by architect Nikolai Bayev, it has a mixture of baroque, rococo and Moorish styles. Here you can see classics of international and Azerbaijani opera and ballet, including the first opera in the Muslim world – “Leyli and Majnun” which was composed by of one of the greatest composers of all time Uzeyir Hajibeyli.
Another theatre that stages adaptations of two Azerbaijani classics – “Leyli and Majnun” and “The Cloth Peddler ” is a Baku Marionette Theatre. Although it was established by director and artist Tarlan Gorchu in the 1980s, the opening of the theatre in the centre of Icher Sheher (Old Town) took place in 2016, providing the theatre with its new home. Back in time, this landmark, built in neoclassical style, used to be a property of the Salimkhanovs, a prominent trader family in Baku. After the restoration work, the theatre acquired authentic interiors which merge everyone in a special atmosphere, preparing you for the magical theatrical experience.
The Azerbaijani professional theatre takes its origin in the opening of the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theatre in 1919. That historical moment happened with the staging of the comedy “Vizier of Lankaran Khanate” by distinguished Azerbaijani dramaturg M.F.Akhundov’s. At this theatre, you can choose to see among many popular Azerbaijani plays resembling different time periods, their societies and culture. Throughout the years, the stage of this historical theatre witnessed different famous and talented Azerbaijani artists.
For everyone looking for some quality time with their children, Azerbaijan State Youth Theatre of Young Spectators always has a special program to offer. Children of different ages can enjoy entertaining plays with bright and extraordinary stage decorations that will catch their attention, transporting them to the dream world. Every little spectator will leave the walls of the theatre thrilled and inspired for the next theatrical experiences.
Tickets and schedules of plays at all theatres in Baku can be found at https://iticket.az/en
