Modern cultural spaces of Almaty city -
Theatrical life, classical stage and rich Russian drama -
Russian Russian Drama Theater named after M. Y. Lermontov is one of the oldest and most respected theatrical institutions in Almaty, a place where classical works of world literature come to life, where the tradition of the Russian drama school is preserved and where art has been going on without interruption for more than eighty years. This is a theater that has known several generations of citizens, a theater in which entire dynasties of actors have grown up and where each production carries a special artistic depth.
Located in the heart of Almaty on Abai Avenue, opposite the national library, the theater has long been a part of the cultural image of the city – a quiet, intelligent creative zone where people come for emotions, inspiration, serious theatrical conversation and a meeting with eternal classics. There is a monument to Yuri Pomerantsev on the square in front of the theater.
Under the roof of the theater, in an atmosphere filled with the spirit of great literature, a special mystery is born – the mystery of dialogue. Dialogue with the audience, with oneself, with the eternal questions posed by Lermontov, Chekhov, Gogol. This is a place where time slows down, and the word acquires incredible power, making you laugh, cry and think about the main thing.
History of the theater
The history of the Lermontov Theater begins in 1933, when the Russian drama troupe was founded in Almaty. Over the years, it brought together actors, directors and artists who came from Moscow, Leningrad, Omsk and other cities. It was they who laid the tradition of an intelligent stage, built on the depth of drama and the strength of human character.
In 1960, the theater was named after Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov, a poet, playwright and one of the key figures in Russian classical literature. This name has become a symbol of artistic rigor, high style and respect for literary heritage.
Over time, the theater turned into the center of Russian-speaking culture in Almaty. Many stars of the Soviet theater played on its stage, domestic directors staged here, creating productions that were recognized far beyond the borders of Kazakhstan.
Architecture and theater space
The modern theater building is an example of architecture of the mid—20th century. The facade combines the austerity and light solemnity typical of cultural buildings of that period. Evening lighting creates a feeling of a cozy, warm and intelligent space.
Inside, the theater is filled with a classic atmosphere: the soft tones of the hall, calm lighting, wooden interior elements, and a wide foyer where the audience gathers before the performance. The large hall is designed for hundreds of guests, and the stage allows you to work with large decorations, complex structures and large-scale productions.
The theater has undergone restorations more than once, preserving its historical foundation and updating the equipment – today it combines traditional aesthetics and modern stage technologies.
Repertoire and creative focus
The repertoire of the Lermontov Theater is diverse, but the main core remains classical Russian drama: Chekhov, Ostrovsky, Tolstoy, Gorky, Turgenev, Dostoevsky. These productions allow the theater to preserve the continuity and traditions that were laid back in the 1930s.
But the theater does not live only in the past. Modern directors bring a new breath: they stage Russian plays, modern dramas, European classics, psychological performances, musical and plastic productions.
The theater troupe is famous for its craftsmanship. Many actors have state awards, are laureates of international festivals, and their school is distinguished by expressive speech, deep acting technique, and the ability to reveal the most subtle emotional motives.
Theater and city life
The Lermontov Russian Drama Theater is an important cultural space in Almaty, where families come, where schoolchildren are taken, where premieres, festivals, literary evenings, discussions of performances and creative meetings take place.
In a modern metropolis, the theater has retained its spirit of intelligence. It remains a place where deep words, serious drama and art without superficiality are appreciated.
Before evening performances, the entrance is always lively: the audience shares their expectations, discusses previous productions, a slight noise is heard, in which a special theatrical atmosphere is felt – waiting for the moment when the lights go out and the magic begins.
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How to get there and visit -
The Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov Theater is located in Almaty at 43 Abai Avenue, corner of Bayseitova Street, Almaly district, Republic of Kazakhstan.
GPS coordinates: 43°14'35"N 76°56'38"E
It is more convenient to get to the theater by private car or taxi. Public transport provides several convenient routes: buses run along Abai Avenue. № 3, 57, 65, 66, 79, 99, 118, 120, 128 and trolleybuses No. 11, 19, 25; and buses No. 12, 98 and trolleybuses No. 5, 6 run along the neighboring Abylai Khan Avenue. The nearest station is Abaya metro station is located 600 meters from the theater.
Working hours: Monday – Friday from 10.00 to 19.00; Saturday – Sunday from 10.00 to 18.00
Contacts: +7 727 267 31 35; +7 727 267 31 36 (cash register)
Official website of the theater
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Legend
There is a quiet, almost chamber legend associated with the theater, passed on by senior artists. It is said that every evening before the performance, someone from the troupe necessarily touches the old wooden stage, which has been preserved since pre-war times.
It is believed that the tree has absorbed the energy of all the performances performed, and the touch brings calmness, confidence and inspiration to the artist.
They also say that the theater has its own kind spirit, the Genius of the Place. He is not a ghost with chains, but in the form of a gray-haired Old Man with a volume of Lermontov in his hands. He is rarely seen, mostly by night watchmen, but his presence is felt by everyone.
This Genius walks around an empty hall before an important premiere. If he stops in the center of the stage and opens the book, the play will have a long and happy life. If he just walks by without looking up, the director and the actors still have something to work on. They say that he whispers the right words to the sleeping actors on the morning of the premiere and calms those who are worried. This is not a ghost of the past, but a guardian of eternal values that are embodied on the stage of this theater.
The Lermontov Theater today
Today, the Lermontov Russian Drama Theater is a harmonious fusion of tradition and innovation. This is a place where immortal classics and bold modern plays are performed with equal success.
Here, the clatter of the actors' heels on the old floorboards beats the rhythm of eternity.
Here, the silence of the hall before the start of the action is the most eloquent.
Here, the Russian word, which sounds in the center of Asia, becomes a bridge that unites everyone.
Interesting sights nearby:
• Zhetysu Fountain (Semirechye);
• Tulebaev Street;
• Monument to Mukan Tulebayev;
• Mukhtar Auezov House Museum;
• Republic Square;
• Independence Monument;
• City Akimat;
• Panfilov Pedestrian Street.
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