Baku, Azerbaijan
On March 10, 1873, the foundation of the professional national theater was laid by theater amateurs of Baku Gymnasium with the eponymous performance of M.F. Akhundzade's comedy "Adventures of the Vizier of Lankaran Khanate". The history of Azerbaijani theater begins with the history of the Academic National Drama Theater.
Representatives of Azerbaijani classical dramaturgy M.F. Akhundzade, N. Vezirov, A. Khagverdiyev, N. Narimanov, J. Mammadkulizade made a great contribution to the creation of the national theater.
In 1896 G. Zardabi organized the first professional theater group in Baku under the name of "First Muslim Drama Troupe". In 1897 "Union of Artists" was established in Baku for the first time. In 1917 "Union of Muslim Artists" was established in Baku. On October 24, 1919 the theater received the status of "State", and in 1959 - "Academic".
In different years the theater had such names as "Government Theater", "United State Theater", "Azerbaijan Turkic Drama Theater" and others. And since 1991 the theater has been called "Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theater".
Dozens of interesting performances staged at the Azerbaijan State Drama Theater by A. Tuganov, who was invited to Baku as the chief director, were a great contribution to the development of the art of directing in Azerbaijan, as well as to the enrichment of the repertoire.
With receiving higher director education in Moscow and Leningrad and return of such national directors as M. Kirmanshahli, Y. Yulduz, A. Rzayeva, A. Agayeva. Rzayev, A. Agayev, A. Dadashov and others, the art is moving to a new, professional stage.
Speaking about the art of directing in Azerbaijani theater, we especially note the names of Adil Iskandarov, Mehti Mammadov and Tofig Kazimov. Because the monumental-romantic style of Adil Iskandarov, romantic-philosophical style of Mehti Mammadov, lyrical-psychological style of Tofig Kazimov left a deep trace in the history of Azerbaijani theater.
Starting from the 90s, a new era began in the history of NDTA: Huseynaga Atakishiev, Azer Pasha Neimatov, Marahim Farzalibekov demonstrated their unique directorial ideas and styles. Today, the theater's artistic director Mehriban Alakbarzadeh continues the traditions of her predecessors and develops the art of directing with her unique productions and performances that meet modern standards.
Today the state pays special attention to Azerbaijani theater. According to the State Program "Azerbaijani Theatre in 2009-2019", new projects were developed in the field of theater, conferences and festivals were held, new performances were staged.
The "National Theatre Day" was established by the order of President Ilham Aliyev on March 1, 2013. According to the Order, "National Theatre Day" is celebrated in the Republic of Azerbaijan on March 10.
The performance "Iblis and..." staged by Mehriban Alakbarzadeh of the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theatre will be presented at the XV International Alexandrinsky Festival (September 3, 4, 2024. Main stage of Alexandrinsky Theatre).
