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Drama Theatre in Odesa: History and Location

The Odesa Regional Academic Drama Theatre is the oldest theatre in southern Ukraine and one of the oldest in the country. The stage of this temple of Melpomene has launched the careers of many stars who have become part of Ukrainian theatre history. The institution was founded in 1926, when the Taras Shevchenko District Drama Theatre and the Odesa Theatre «Masodram» joined forces within its walls. Under the direction of chief director A. Hrypych, one remarkable premiere after another took to the stage, including «The Good Soldier Švejk», «Beethoven» based on a work by A. Toller, «Sunset» by I. Babel and other productions. Some of these plays returned to the stage after a break of several decades and have lost none of their appeal to audiences.

When Avraam Treplev succeeded Hrypych in the 1930s, the theatre’s repertoire expanded to include outstanding works by Ukrainian and international playwrights. One of the landmark productions of that period was «The Mother», based on a work by K. Čapek.

After being evacuated during the period from 1941 to 1944, the theatre returned to Odesa and once again opened its doors to lovers of the performing arts. The actors and directors probably never imagined that their theatre would one day face wartime conditions again. But 2022 brought new existential challenges for Ukrainian art as a whole. In response to the invasion by its northern neighbour, the word «Russian» was removed from the theatre’s name, and the institution continued operating despite all the difficulties. By June, the theatre had opened its 98th season.

Today, the strongest proof of the Odesa Drama Theatre’s significance is its full auditorium and positive audience reviews. Preserving its traditions, the theatre continues to create new productions and enrich the cultural life of the Black Sea pearl under the direction of director Olena Shramko. It is located at 48 Hretska Street.

Auditorium Features and Capacity

Creating the right atmosphere for performances is made possible by modern sound equipment, an advanced sound system and specialized mechanical stage structures. Smart lighting fixtures, separate lighting zones, professional acoustics, musical effects and moving set elements all make it possible to transform day into night in an instant and immerse the audience in a new theatrical reality.

The Odesa Regional Academic Drama Theatre offers the following spaces for performances:

• a main auditorium with a capacity of 760 spectators;
• a small stage with a capacity of 60 spectators, usually used for experimental performances, lectures and workshops;
• a theatre in a shelter, a safety-focused format that allows events to continue without interruption during air raid alerts.

Whether you choose the stalls, dress circle, balcony or a box seat, you can expect an excellent experience thanks to the outstanding acoustics and clear views from every angle.

Events at the Drama Theatre in Odesa

Dreaming of the most romantic date, looking for an unusual gift for someone dear to you, or searching for an idea for an engaging family outing? Welcome to the Odesa Drama Theatre’s event listings! Whether you prefer major premieres or classics that have stood the test of time, the choice is yours.

The Odesa Drama Theatre’s repertoire includes:

• domestic, ironic and musical comedies («Troublemakers», «Bonjour, L’Amour!», «The Taming of the Shrews», «English Roulette»);
• detective and mystical productions («Viy», «A Mad Day», «The Doppler Effect», «The Game of Truth»);
• dramas and tragicomedies («The Iron Class», «The Final Warning», «Limerivna»);
• musicals («Hellish Temptation», «Édith Piaf: Life on Credit»);
• children’s fairy tales («The Mystery of the Flower Kingdom»);
• experimental genres, including the comedy-drama «Hamlet’s Illegitimate Daughter».

How to Book Tickets for Events at the Odesa Drama Theatre

Browse the event listings and choose a performance to suit your taste at Concert.ua. You will always find talented productions here, from box-office hits and major premieres to timeless classics. Once you have chosen an event, click «Get Tickets» and reserve the best seats on the auditorium seating plan. Then complete your payment and wait for your theatre tickets to arrive by email.