Theatre of Nations

The Theatre of Nations, also known as the State Theatre of Nations (Russian: Госуда́рственный теа́тр на́ций), is a theatre located in the heritage-listed building originally built in 1885 as the Korsh Theatre in central Moscow, Russia. The theatre has no resident acting company.

It has a wider scope and versatility than most national theatres, with its remit including conducting national and multinational arts festivals; preserving cultural ties between Russia and the countries of the former Soviet Union; introducing local audiences to notable international arts achievements; and showcasing the experimental work of emerging actors and directors as well as established local and international directors. Several of its shows have toured the world over many years.

The theatre building was original built for entrepreneur Fyodor Korsh's theatre, known as the Korsh Theatre, which was one of the first privately owned Russian theatres, opening in 1885. Designed by architect Mikhail Chichagov, the building had many features of modern technology, including being lit by electricity, which was new at the time.

After the Russian Revolution in 1917, the Korsh Theatre went through various changes of management and names, until in its final iteration as the Moscow Arts Theatre, it was disbanded in 1932/3, and the building became part of the Moscow Art Theatre (renamed the Gorky Moscow Art Theatre).

The Theatre of Peoples' Friendship, or Friendship of Nations theatre, (Russian: Театр Дружбы Народов) was created in 1987, shortly before the end of the Soviet era, with the intention of showcasing the best theatre from each of the Soviet Republics. After the Soviet Union disintegrated, the theatre started inviting directors from the former republics as well as around the world.

It was then based on Tverskoy Boulevard, but later exchanged locations with the Gorky Moscow Art Theatre, and in 1991 changed its name to the Theatre of Nations.

In 2006, actor and director Yevgeny Mironov became Artistic Director, but in the following year, the heritage-listed building closed for extensive renovations. The theatre reopened in 2012, with seating reduced from 1,065 to 600 and the lower ground floor rebuilt, with a small second stage for experimental work. Two rehearsal rooms were added to the main building, and the technical facilities, including lighting, video, sound, and stage mechanics were updated with state-of-the-art equipment. However, the sound system proved faulty, so it was replaced with d&b audiotechnik equipment.

In 2010 the State Ministry of Culture granted the Theatre of Nations a contract to develop a multi-step program geared towards the advancement of theatrical culture in the Russian provinces. Every month the theatre would choose a small town to visit with activities that include professional criticism of local productions, readings of new plays, master classes and seminars.