The Minsk City Theatre, now known as the Yanka Kupala National Academic Theatre, is a landmark cultural structure in Belarus, having witnessed numerous historical events and becoming an integral part of the national theatrical tradition. Executed in the Neo-Baroque style, the theatre building was constructed in the late 19th century according to a design by architect Karol Kozlowski, and erected in 1890. The initiator of the construction was the Minsk Governor Nikolai Trubetskoy, but the construction process was not without conflict: the church leader Varlaam objected to the theatre's proximity to the Alexander Chapel, considering it immoral. Nevertheless, the decision was made in favor of art with the support of the highest authorities — the foundation of the theatre was laid in 1888 in the presence of members of the imperial family.
The horseshoe-shaped auditorium of the new theatre could accommodate up to 550 spectators and was equipped with mechanisms for transforming it into a ballroom. However, in the first years after the revolution, the theatre was mainly used for political meetings. In December 1917, the First All-Belarusian Congress was held within its walls, laying the foundations of Belarus's independence, proclaimed in March 1918. In 1919, the first Constitution of the BSSR was adopted here. It was only in 1920 that the building was returned to its original function — serving the arts.
The Yanka Kupala Theatre was founded in 1920 based on the First Society of Belarusian Drama and Comedy. The first artistic director was Florian Zhdanovich, who made a significant contribution to the development of Belarusian theatre, staging national plays and introducing folk traditions into stage practice. In its early years, the theatre faced numerous challenges: a shortage of professionally trained actors, financial problems, and a lack of stage costumes and decorations. Nevertheless, in its first years, the theatre’s repertoire included iconic Belarusian productions such as "Pawlinka" and "The Scattered Nest" by Yanka Kupala, "Antos Lata" by Yakub Kolas, and others.
During World War II, the theatre was evacuated to Tomsk, where it continued to operate, and in 1944, director Lev Litvinov staged one of the theatre's landmark productions — "Pawlinka," which to this day opens each new theatre season. In 1944, the theatre was named after the outstanding Belarusian poet Yanka Kupala, and in 1955, it received academic status.
One of the most significant periods in the theatre's history was its rise in the 1960s under the leadership of Valery Raevsky. His innovative productions brought a spirit of freedom and experimentation to the theatre, making it a truly unique stage. During this period, the theatre staged works by both foreign classics and Belarusian authors, such as Aleksey Makayonok, Vladimir Korotkevich, and Vasil Bykov.
In 2011, a large-scale reconstruction of the theatre began, during which its historical 1890 appearance was restored. The task of the builders and restorers was not only to preserve the architectural heritage but also to turn the theatre into a modern stage. The reconstruction was completed in 2013, and since then, the theatre has once again become one of Minsk’s main cultural attractions.
Over the years, stars of the Belarusian stage have risen on the Kupala Theatre's stage: Lidia Rzhetskaya, Galina Makarova, Gleb Glebov, Nikolai Yeryomenko Sr., and of course, Stefania Stanyuta, who devoted more than 80 years to this theatre. Each new generation of actors continues the glorious traditions of their predecessors, making the Yanka Kupala Theatre an important stage for Belarusian dramatic art.
Today, the theatre's repertoire includes about 25 productions, ranging from classics to contemporary experiments. The theatre actively works on finding new artistic solutions, continuing to remain an important center of Belarusian theatrical culture. In 2019, the Kupala Theatre solemnly opened its 100th theatrical season, which was marked not only by landmark productions but also by the discussion of relevant social issues.
The Yanka Kupala National Academic Theatre remains one of the key cultural institutions of Belarus, with its stage continuing to resonate in the Belarusian language, supporting the long-standing tradition and preserving the spirit of national revival laid in the early 20th century.
