Taganka Theatre

The Taganka Theatre in Moscow is a cult venue for theatre art enthusiasts, a symbol of creative freedom and innovation. It was here that Vladimir Vysotsky performed, and here legendary productions were born that became milestones in the history of Russian theatre.

What the Taganka Theatre is

Taganka is one of Moscow’s most famous theatres, attracting audiences with its unique atmosphere and bold approach to productions. The theatre is renowned for its experimental performances that combine classical works with contemporary interpretations. Here you can see both avant-garde shows and traditional drama reimagined in a new light. The theatre gained particular fame thanks to the legendary production of “Hamlet” starring Vladimir Vysotsky in the title role. His portrayal of the Prince of Denmark became so iconic that after the actor’s death the production was removed from the repertoire — no one else could replicate his unique performance.

What to do at the Taganka Theatre

Attend a performance

The theatre’s repertoire is striking in its variety of genres and forms:

• Classic productions with a modern twist — for example, Gogol’s “Viy” with musical accompaniment
• Avant-garde shows such as “Run, Alice, Run” featuring choreography and original set design
• Physical theatre performances where the actors’ movement is the main expressive tool
• Musicals — the famous “Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street”
• Productions based on works by Bulgakov, Dostoevsky, Goethe, and other classics

Explore the theatre’s history

For those interested in the behind-the-scenes world of theatre, the foyer hosts an interactive exhibition dedicated to the work of Yuri Lyubimov. You can also visit the legendary director’s memorial study, which retains its authentic atmosphere and autographs of famous guests — writers, artists, and musicians.

Visit the theatre buffet

Food lovers should stop by the theatre buffet, which serves exquisite dishes:

• Brioche with trout, caviar, and tartare
• Bruschetta with roast beef and mortadella
• Signature desserts created by the theatre’s pastry chefs

History of the Taganka Theatre

Founding and early years

The theatre was opened in 1964 by Yuri Lyubimov together with actors from the former Drama and Comedy Theatre. From its very first days, Taganka became a magnet for Moscow’s intelligentsia eager to see fashionable, topical, and unconventional productions. The debut performance, “The Good Person of Szechwan” by Bertolt Brecht, caused a sensation. The production used almost no scenery or makeup but actively involved the audience in the theatrical action — a groundbreaking technique for Soviet theatre in the 1960s. Critics called the work passionate and revolutionary.

The golden era of Lyubimov

Yuri Petrovich Lyubimov created a unique Taganka style characterized by:

1. Active contact with the audience
2. A pronounced civic stance
3. Unconventional directorial decisions
4. A tightly knit acting ensemble

Thanks to its bold productions, the theatre was called “an island of freedom in an unfree country”. Works by Voznesensky appeared in the repertoire, along with productions such as “The Fallen and the Living,” “Pugachev,” and “The Master and Margarita.”

Years of hardship

Constant conflict with the Soviet authorities led to dramatic events. In 1984 Yuri Lyubimov was stripped of his citizenship and forced to leave the country. Anatoly Efros became the chief director, staging “The War Has a Woman’s Face,” “The Lower Depths,” and “The Misanthrope.” After Efros’s death, the theatre was headed by Nikolai Gubenko. In 1989 Lyubimov became the first prominent émigré to have his citizenship restored. The acting company invited him to lead Taganka again, but in 1993 a split occurred — the theatre divided into two independent companies.

Famous actors of Taganka

Over the years, the legendary stage featured:

• Vladimir Vysotsky — his Hamlet became a cult image of Soviet theatre
• Valery Zolotukhin — a vivid, temperamental actor
• Veniamin Smekhov — creator of unforgettable characters
• Alla Demidova — an elegant dramatic actress
• Leonid Filatov — a talented actor and poet
• Boris Khmelnitsky and Anatoly Vasilyev

Taganka actors have always been renowned for the versatility of their talents — acting mastery, vocal abilities, and physical expressiveness. The current company continues these traditions, combining the experience of veterans with the energy of young performers.

Practical information for visitors

How much time to allow

Most performances last about two hours; some run a little longer. It is recommended to arrive 30 minutes before the start, especially in cold weather — to comfortably check your coat and take your seat.

Best time to visit

The theatre season runs from September to July. The busiest period for theatregoers is autumn, winter, and early spring, when the maximum number of premieres and classic productions are staged.

Opening hours

Box office opens at 12:00 and operates:

• Until 18:00 — on days without performances
• Until 20:00 — on performance days

Performance start times:

• Matinee performances — 12:00 and 14:00
• Evening performances — 19:00

Ticket prices

Tickets start from 1,000 rubles and vary depending on the production, seat location, and day of the week. Tickets can be purchased online on the official theatre website or at the box office.

How to get to the theatre

By metro

The most convenient way is to take the metro to «Taganskaya» station. The theatre is only 200 metres on foot from the metro exit.

By surface transport

If travelling by bus, get off at the stop “Metro Taganskaya”.

Address

76/21 Zemlyanoy Val Street, Moscow

What to combine your visit with

The State Vladimir Vysotsky Museum

Just a five-minute walk away is the museum dedicated to the great bard and actor. Given Vysotsky’s close connection with Taganka, visiting the museum before a performance is a logical addition to your cultural programme.

Architectural sights nearby

Interesting landmarks close to the theatre include:

• The Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia’s Compound
• The Church of St. Nicholas at Bolvanovka
• The town estate of the Polezhaevs and Zubovs
• Kotelnicheskaya Embankment with its famous Stalin-era skyscraper

Theatre halls

In 2015 the building was closed for major renovation due to damage to the foundation and load-bearing structures. After reconstruction, the recognisable appearance of the façade and interiors was preserved, looking the same as in Yuri Lyubimov’s time.

Main stage

The majority of the repertoire is performed on the main stage. The hall has retained the atmosphere created by the theatre’s first chief director.

Small stage

Used for chamber performances and the “Rehearsals” project. Within this project, audiences can watch a production being created and directors receive feedback from the public and an expert council.

Current repertoire

Today Taganka offers a wide selection of performances:

Productions by Yuri Lyubimov

• “The Master and Margarita” based on Bulgakov’s novel
• “Woe from Wit — Woe to Wit — Woe of Wit”
• Molière’s “Tartuffe”
• Brecht’s “The Good Person of Szechwan”

Works by guest directors

• “Telluria” by Konstantin Bogomolov after Vladimir Sorokin’s novel
• “Hedda Gabler” by Ibsen
• “Even a Wise Man Stumbles” — a modern take on Ostrovsky

Children’s performances

Young audiences are offered “An Old, Old Fairy Tale” based on works by Hans Christian Andersen.

Trip budget

For a visit to the Taganka Theatre, plan for:

1. Performance ticket — from 1,000 to 5,000 rubles
2. Metro or taxi fare
3. Theatre buffet visit — optional
4. Additional expenses for nearby museums or cafés

Why you should visit Taganka

The Taganka Theatre is not just a cultural institution but a living legend of Russian theatrical art. The unique atmosphere of creative freedom has been preserved here, and you can still feel the spirit of the great actors and directors of the past. Visiting Taganka allows you to touch history, see performances that make you think and feel, and understand why this theatre was called an island of freedom. Every production here is an event, every performance a dialogue with the audience that the theatre has been conducting for more than sixty years.