Sumgayit State Drama Theater marks 50th anniversary

TThe event was held in accordance with the decree of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the 50th anniversary of the Sumgayit State Drama Theater, Trend Life reported.

Minister of Culture Abulfas Garayev, First Deputy Minister of Culture Vagif Aliyev, head of the Sumgayit Executive Power Zakir Faradjev, prominent public figures, representatives of culture and art attended the event.

At the beginning of the gala evening, a video showing the history of the Sumgayit State Drama Theater was presented to the audience.

Addressing the event, Abulfaz Garayev noted that the anniversary of the theater is a holiday not only for Sumgayit, but also for the whole country.

The minister stressed that the Sumgayit State Drama Theater made a great contribution to the development of Azerbaijani theater art through its activities. Many of the famous theatrical figures, who are now working in other cultural institutions, began their career in the Sumgayit State Drama Theater.

In his speech, the minister, on behalf of the collective of the Sumgayit State Drama Theater, cultural figures expressed gratitude to the state for taking care of the theater arts.

It was noted that in accordance with the relevant orders of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, employees of the Sumgayit State Drama Theater were awarded honorary titles and medals "Tereggi". The minister presented theatrical figures with honorary state awards.

The head of the Sumgayit Executive Authority, Zakir Faradjev, congratulated the theater team on its anniversary and wished further creative success. A number of employees of the theater were awarded certificates of honor by the Executive Authority of Sumgayit.

Some of the employees of the theater were also awarded diplomas of the Azerbaijan Union of Theater Workers.

The Sumgayit State Drama Theater, named after the Azerbaijani theater figure and director Huseyn Arablinski, was created in September 1968.

The theater opened its curtain on March 14, 1969, with Mirza Fatali Akhundzade's "Monsieur Jordan, the Botanist, and Dervish Mastalishah", directed by Jannat Salimova. On the following day, the British poet John Patrick's work was performed.

In 1974, the theater was given the status of "Sumgayit State Drama Theater" by the decision of the Ministry of Culture.

The repertoire of the theater includes the plays of classic and contemporary Azerbaijani, Russian and foreign playwrights.