Shaki to host Int’l Theater Festival

The next “Uch mekan” International Theater Festival will kick off in one of Azerbaijan’s loveliest towns Shaki on September 1524, Azertac reported.

The festival will see participation of theatre troupes from Turkey, Russia, Georgia, Iran, Ukraine and the UAE.

Azerbaijan will be represented at the event by the State Academic Drama Theatre, State Russian Drama Theatre, State Puppet Theatre, Shaki State Drama Theatre and Ganja State Drama Theatre.

The event is co-organized by Azerbaijan`s Culture and Tourism Ministry , Shaki City Executive Authority and the Union of Theater Figures.

Shaki, famous for its historical monuments hosted the first International Theater Festival in 2014.

Azerbaijan State Theater of Young Spectators stage the play "I came, girls" ("War") based on the same named play of the Swedish playwright Lars Noren.

History and development of Azerbaijani theater requires a separate story, since namely in this county the first theater and the first opera was staged in the Muslim East. The theatrical art of Azerbaijani people is rooted in the ancient folk festivals and dances.

The history of Azerbaijan theater started with spectacles "Vizier of Lankaran khan" and "Hadji Gara", based on plays Mirza Fatali Akhundov in March-April 1873.

These first amateur performances staged by students of real school by initiative of Hasan-bay Zardabi and with the active participation of the Najaf-bay Vezirov and Alekber Adigezalov have become a powerful impetus for the establishment of a national theater.