Vakhtangov Theatre

The State Academic Vakhtangov Theatre rightfully ranks among the top three most significant theatrical venues in the Russian capital. Located in the very heart of historic Arbat, this theatre has been delighting audiences with vibrant productions for over a century, blending classical traditions with modern directorial approaches. The company actively tours across Russia and abroad, participates in prestigious festivals and charitable projects, while remaining faithful to the precepts of its founder.

History of the Theatre’s Creation and Development

The Birth of the Studio under Vakhtangov’s Leadership

The theatre’s history began in 1913, when a group of young Moscow enthusiasts organized a drama studio under the Moscow Art Theatre (MKhT). Thirty-year-old Evgeny Bagrationovich Vakhtangov, already established as a talented director of the Art Theatre and a brilliant teacher of the Stanislavsky system, agreed to lead this initiative. From the autumn of 1914, the studio settled in a modest apartment in Mansurovsky Lane, where the actors not only rehearsed but also lived. A tiny hall with just 35 seats and a miniature stage became the starting point for future greatness. Vakhtangov created a special atmosphere in the studio — one of sensitivity, kindness, and creative exploration. He treated every actor with care, avoiding harshness or sharpness, insisting that the main thing was not the result, but the creative process itself. “Dear faces... Trembling feelings” — this is how the director spoke of his students, who were ready to fully immerse themselves in the work.

The Studio Becomes a Theatre

On 13 November 1921, the premiere of Maurice Maeterlinck’s play “The Miracle of Saint Anthony” took place — this date is officially considered the theatre’s birthday. A year later, in 1922, the legendary “Princess Turandot” based on Carlo Gozzi’s fairy tale appeared — a production that became the theatre’s calling card for decades to come. Vakhtangov worked on the production while gravely ill with stomach cancer and was unable to attend the triumphant premiere. In May 1922, the great director passed away, leaving the theatre an invaluable legacy. In 1921, the studio received the status of the Third Studio of the MKhT and moved to 26 Arbat — an address that has remained unchanged for over a century. Only in 1926 did the studio officially become a theatre.

Difficult Years of Searching for Leadership

After Vakhtangov’s death, the theatre existed for a long time without a single artistic director. An Artistic Council was created, but its members could not agree on development methods. Collective leadership continued until 1939, when Ruben Simonov became the director. The 1930s were difficult: the Stalinist government demanded ideologically correct productions, which contradicted the Vakhtangov tradition of turning a performance into a celebration. Some productions were banned, and criticism was merciless.

Wartime and Post-War Years

The Trials of the Great Patriotic War

Before the war began, the theatre had renewed its repertoire and was preparing new productions. Incredibly, the very first bomb dropped by fascist aircraft on Moscow hit the Vakhtangov Theatre building and almost completely destroyed it. The company was evacuated to Omsk, where the theatre continued to work, while some actors were almost constantly at the front line, performing for Soviet soldiers.

Revival and Flourishing

After the war, the theatre returned to Moscow and resumed active work. Significant productions followed one after another:

• “The Young Guard” (1948)
• “First Joys” (1950)
• A series of productions on rural themes
• Plays based on works by Konstantin Simonov and Boris Polevoy

In the late 1950s, the theatre received academic status. During the 1950s–1960s, the company was joined by brilliant actors whose names became known throughout the country: Yuri Yakovlev, Vasily Lanovoy, Mikhail Ulyanov, Yekaterina Raikina, Lyudmila Maksakova, Irina Kupchenko, Maria Vertinskaya, and many others.

Contemporary Period of Development

The Era of Revival of Traditions

The revival of Vakhtangov traditions began during Perestroika, when Mikhail Ulyanov became artistic director, leading the theatre until 2007. Later, the company was joined by Sergei Makovetsky, Maxim Sukhanov, Yulia Rutberg, Larisa Velezheva, Natalia Grishaeva, Vladimir Vdovichenkov, Alexander Oleshko, Viktor Dobronravov, Gennady Khazanov, Maria Aronova, and other stars of Russian theatre.

Leadership of Rimas Tuminas

Today the artistic director is Rimas Tuminas — a renowned director of Lithuanian origin and winner of numerous theatre awards. Critics describe his style as ironically enigmatic. Tuminas prefers Russian classics: Chekhov, Griboyedov, Lermontov. In 2011, for the theatre’s 90th anniversary, he staged “The Pier” based on texts by world writers from Shakespeare to Brecht. This production, along with “Uncle Vanya” and “Eugene Onegin”, received the prestigious “Crystal Turandot” award.

Theatre Venues and Technologies

Main Stage

The theatre’s main building at 26 Arbat features unique architecture combining elements of Art Nouveau and Neoclassicism. The Main Stage seats 1,055 spectators and is equipped with one of the best lighting and sound systems in Russia.

New Stage

In 2015, the New Stage opened next door at 24 Arbat. This modern transformer space with 250 seats is equipped with cutting-edge technology and can realize the most complex directorial concepts. The hall is adapted for people with disabilities.

Art Café and Simonov Stage

In the New Stage building there is a chamber Art Café, where creative evenings, poetry readings, and concerts by the theatre’s orchestra take place. Spectators sit at tables around the stage and can order food before and after the performance. The Simonov Stage opened in 2017 at 10 building 2 Kaloshin Lane. Named after the famous directing and acting dynasty of Ruben and Evgeny Simonov, it includes two auditoriums with 119 seats each.

Repertoire and Productions

Today Vakhtangov Theatre performances are staged on six Moscow venues. The repertoire is extremely diverse and includes:

• Classic productions of Russian and foreign playwrights
• Contemporary plays
• Operettas and musical performances
• Comedies of various genres
• Children’s shows (“Puss in Boots”, “Peter Pan”)
• Dance shows
• Poetry evenings

Among the landmark productions of the current repertoire: “Eugene Onegin”, “The Flight”, “Masquerade”, “The Idiot”, “Mademoiselle Nitouche”. The theatre also offers paid online broadcasts of some performances.

Interesting Facts about the Theatre

Legendary Intermission: At the premiere of “Princess Turandot” in November 1922, Stanislavsky, during the intermission, took a cab to the dying Vakhtangov to tell him about the triumph. They did not dare to start the next act without him, and the audience waited an hour and a half — the longest intermission in the theatre’s history. Theatrical Superstitions: In 1991, rehearsals began for a new version of “Turandot”; the first rehearsal was scheduled for 19 August — the day of the GKChP putsch. After that, they never returned to the play. A Low-Key Centennial: The theatre’s 100th anniversary was celebrated in a special way — no grand premiere or traditional skit party. The doors were flung wide open, actors greeted spectators right in the foyer, guests could peek into any corner of the theatre, take photos with favorite artists, and get autographs.

Practical Information for Visitors

Opening Hours and Ticket Prices

The box office is open daily from 12:00 to 20:00 without breaks or days off. The entrance to the ticket hall is to the right of the main entrance, behind the “Princess Turandot” fountain. Ticket prices start from 400–500 rubles depending on the performance, time, and seat location.

Ways to Purchase Tickets

1. At the theatre box office — cash or card
2. Phone booking +7 (499) 241-16-79 (weekdays 12:00–19:00, lunch break 15:00–16:00) with pickup within two days or home delivery
3. On the official website www.vakhtangov.ru with bank card payment and e-ticket

How to Get to the Theatre

Address: Moscow, Arbat St., 26 (coordinates: 55°44′59″ N, 37°35′29″ E) Nearest metro stations:

• “Smolenskaya” — 600 m on foot
• “Arbatskaya” — 700 m on foot

Since the theatre is located on the pedestrian Arbat street, the nearest public transport stop “Dom Knigi” is 800 m away. Buses M2, M7, and night bus H2 stop there. By car, the closest approach is from Gogolevsky Boulevard, but finding parking closer than 500–700 m is difficult due to Arbat’s pedestrian status. The Evgeny Vakhtangov Theatre continues to live according to the precepts of its founder, turning every performance into a real celebration for the audience. Under the leadership of Rimas Tuminas, it confidently holds its position as one of Russia’s leading theatres, combining fidelity to tradition with modern theatrical technologies.