Republican Theatre of Belarusian Drama (RTBD) is a unique cultural center in Minsk, established in 1990 as an experimental platform to support and develop Belarusian dramaturgy. The theatre was initially conceived as a laboratory for young playwrights, offering numerous talented authors and directors the opportunity to grow and hone their craft. The first director of the theatre was Valery Mazynsky, an honored artist of the Republic of Belarus.
Since its foundation, RTBD has been actively promoting national dramaturgy, giving young authors the chance to stage their plays on a professional stage. The Belarusian Drama Center at the theatre holds readings, seminars, master classes, and other events that foster the growth of emerging playwrights and directors. Over the years, around forty authors have passed through the theatre’s school, and their works are now widely known in Belarus and beyond.
The theatre’s repertoire is largely based on works by contemporary Belarusian authors such as Andrei Ivanov, Viktor Martinovich, Vasil Bykov, and others. About 70% of all productions are plays written by Belarusian playwrights, emphasizing the theatre's commitment to national culture and language. Additionally, the theatre stages works of world-classics, including plays by Alexander Ostrovsky, Martin McDonagh, and Nikolai Gogol. All RTBD performances are in Belarusian, supporting and promoting Belarusian culture.
The theatre has earned a reputation as one of Belarus’s leading drama theatres. Over the years, it has won numerous prestigious awards at both national and international festivals. RTBD has frequently participated in major international theatre forums such as the Chekhov International Theatre Festival in Moscow, the Avignon International Festival (France), the “Baltic House” Festival in St. Petersburg, and many others. Through such international performances, RTBD represents Belarusian theatre art on the global stage.
Besides its main activities, the theatre organizes exhibitions, presentations, discussions, and musical evenings, enriching its cultural program and attracting a diverse audience. The theatre hall has only 8 rows, creating a special intimate atmosphere where the audience is in close proximity to the stage and can deeply engage with the performance.
The theatre troupe deserves special mention, with over 30 talented actors, many of whom are honored and national artists of Belarus. Among them are national artist Tatyana Markhel and honored artists Valentin Solovyov, Lyudmila Sidorkevich, and others. These stage masters, with their high level of professionalism and vivid creative individuality, contribute significantly to the development of theatre art in the country.
RTBD is also known for its educational initiatives. The Belarusian Drama Center, operating since 2007, has become an important part of the theatre's educational activities. It hosts internships, master classes, and seminars that help young directors and playwrights improve their skills. The theatre remains an open platform for experiments and new ideas, making it attractive to both young and seasoned theatre-goers.
The theatre’s repertoire includes more than 27 performances of various genres, from comedies to psychological dramas and grotesques. The program features both adult and children’s productions, making the theatre accessible to audiences of all ages. Evening performances start at 7:00 PM, while children’s shows begin at 11:00 AM. The theatre is closed on Mondays, and the current schedule and tickets can be purchased on the official website or at ticket offices in Minsk.
The theatre is also conveniently located in the center of Minsk, within walking distance of public transport stops such as tram routes № 3 and 5, buses № 18, 26, 29, and others. Various ticket booking options are available for viewers, either by phone or online.
Republican Theatre of Belarusian Drama not only showcases high achievements in theatre art but also actively contributes to the development of national culture, serving as a launchpad for many creative talents.
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