During its 270th anniversary season, Russia’s State Academic Maly Theatre has come to Abkhazia for the first time in its history. From June 11 to 14, the theatre company will present Nikolai Gogol’s plays Marriage and The Gamblers on the stage of the Fazil Iskander State Russian Drama Theatre. The performances are being staged as part of the nationwide Big Tours programme with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation.

Welcoming the guests, the President described the Maly Theatre’s first-ever tour of Abkhazia as a landmark event in the cultural life of the republic. Badra Gunba expressed confidence that the performances would leave lasting impressions on audiences and become another important chapter in the history of Abkhazian-Russian cultural relations.

The Head of State emphasized that Abkhazia was delighted to welcome People’s Artists of Russia Irina Muravyova, Lyudmila Polyakova, Valery Afanasyev, Alexander Ermakov, Vladimir Dubrovsky and Gleb Podgorodinsky, as well as actor Igor Petrenko and other members of the company. Badra Gunba noted that more than one generation had grown up admiring the work of these outstanding artists.

The President expressed special gratitude to the Chief Director of the Maly Theatre, Alexei Vladimirovich Dubrovsky, emphasizing that his contribution to the development of cultural and humanitarian ties between Abkhazia and Russia is highly valued in the republic.

Thanks to Mr. Dubrovsky’s teaching activities, young actors from Abkhazia have had the opportunity to study at the renowned Mikhail Shchepkin Higher Theatre School. Today, they perform at the Fazil Iskander State Russian Drama Theatre and contribute to the development of national theatrical art.

During the conversation, the Head of State stressed that Abkhazia and Russia are linked not only by allied and fraternal relations but also by deep spiritual and cultural ties. Badra Gunba noted that culture, theatre, literature and the arts help strengthen mutual understanding between peoples, preserve historical memory and instill respect for traditions and high moral values in younger generations.

The President expressed confidence that the Maly Theatre’s tour in Abkhazia would be a true cultural celebration for audiences and would further strengthen cooperation in the field of culture.

The Head of State also thanked Irakli Khintba, General Director of the Fazil Iskander State Russian Drama Theatre, for promoting Abkhazian culture and actively developing ties with Russian theatres.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Badra Gunba thanked the artists for their visit and wished them continued creative success, inspiration and a warm welcome from Abkhaz audiences.