Theatre of Nations

What secrets lie behind the grand facade of the Theatre of Nations? We are standing before a building that has witnessed over a century of Russian theatrical history. The Theatre of Nations, housed in the former Korsh Theatre, has been a beacon of artistic expression since 1885. Originally founded by the entrepreneur Fyodor Korsh, it was a marvel of its time, even boasting electric lighting, a novelty in those days. But history, like theatre, is rarely a straight narrative. After the revolution, the Korsh Theatre saw numerous transformations, changing hands and names, eventually becoming part of the Moscow Art Theatre. It wasn’t until 1987, during the twilight of the Soviet era, that the Theatre of Peoples’ Friendship emerged in this space, aiming to showcase the diverse theatrical traditions of the Soviet republics. This legacy continued even after the collapse of the Soviet Union, evolving into the Theatre of Nations we know today. What makes the Theatre of Nations truly unique is its operational model. It has no permanent acting company. Instead, each production is meticulously planned and assembled, bringing together the best talents for each project. Under the artistic direction of Evgeny Mironov since 2006, the Theatre of Nations has become a crossroads of international theatrical dialogue, hosting performances by renowned directors from all corners of the globe. It has fostered collaborations with masters like Robert Lepage, Eimuntas Nekrošius, and Robert Wilson, to name just a few. But it’s not just about established names. The Theatre of Nations champions new voices. Their Small Stage, inaugurated in 2013, serves as an incubator for young Russian directors, choreographers, and musicians to experiment and showcase their art. As you step inside, remember that the Theatre of Nations doesn’t just present performances, it cultivates experiences.