Ozurgeti Aleksandre Tsutsunava State Dramatic Theatre

Ozurgeti Dramatic Theatre stands as the definitive cultural anchor of the Guria region, occupying a prominent position in the town's central square. Formally named after the pioneering Georgian director and filmmaker Aleksandre Tsutsunava, this historic institution represents one of the oldest professional performance traditions in western Georgia. Established originally in 1868, the theatre serves as a living repository of local identity, artistic expression, and regional community life.

The Evolution of Gurian Theater

The theatrical lineage of Ozurgeti began in the late 19th century when local enthusiasts staged the first amateur productions, galvanizing the cultural landscape of Guria. Over the decades, this small movement grew into a robust professional company. The current imposing neoclassical building was constructed between 1937 and 1962, demonstrating a monumental Soviet architectural style characterized by grand columns, wide porticos, and symmetric geometry. Inside, the theatre houses a massive five-story auditorium capable of seating hundreds of spectators, alongside a smaller chamber stage for intimate performances. The interior corridors act as an archival exhibition space, displaying vintage photographs, performance posters, and original costumes that document the decades of drama, comedy, and opera that have graced its stage. Aleksandre Tsutsunava, for whom the venue is named, revolutionized early Georgian cinema and theatre, and his artistic philosophy continues to influence the permanent ensemble that operates here today.