Since 1920
A hundred years under one curtain
The journey from a free satirical agit-theatre to an academic stage — told in dates and names.
On 20 December 1920 a theatre opened in Baku that was destined to become one of the oldest Russian drama theatres in the world. Here are its key milestones.
1920
The theatre is born
On 20 December the State Free Satirical Agit-Theatre opens its doors. Its literary department is led by the Baku native Vladimir Schweitzer.
1923
The Baku Workers' Theatre
On 29 April the theatre takes a new name and becomes one of the leading stages of the young city.
1924
A home on Khagani Street
The theatre moves into the former “Pell-Mell” club building on what is now Khagani Street, 7 — where it performs to this day.
1937
The Theatre of Russian Drama
On 24 January the company is reorganised as the Azerbaijan State Theatre of Russian Drama.
1956
The name of Samad Vurgun
On 11 June the theatre is named after the great Azerbaijani poet and playwright Samad Vurgun.
2008
A major restoration
On 26 May, after a thorough restoration, the theatre reopens its doors renewed.
2019
Academic status
By presidential decree the theatre is granted academic status — recognition of its role in the nation's culture.
2020
A century on stage
On 20 December the theatre celebrates its centenary.
Awards
Awards
The Order of the Red Banner of Labour (1930 and 1971) and the Gratitude of the President of the Russian Federation (2016) — recognition of a century of service to the stage.
Some dates vary across sources. The theatre traces its history to 1920.