The Actor's House
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The Actor's House in Kyiv: Interesting Facts from Its History
The Actor's House was founded in 1948 as a cultural and educational institution of the Ukrainian Theater Society (now the National Union of Theater Artists of Ukraine). Throughout its long history, before becoming a theater venue, the building served as a Karaite house of worship (kenesa), a place for Roman Catholic services, and the «Zoria» cinema.The Actor's House was designed by Polish architect Władysław Horodecki, who also created Kyiv's legendary House with Chimeras. Before the building's function changed, an altar stood where the stage is now. The balcony, where the lighting and technical control desk is currently installed, was once a place for prayer.
An Architectural Masterpiece
The Karaite religious center, the building's original purpose, was designed in an exquisite Moorish style. Its characteristic features include arcades, domes, and rich geometric ornamentation - elements also widely found in Muslim countries. The building is decorated with stucco work by Italian artist Elio Salеm. The structure once had a cement dome, but it was destroyed under the Soviet regime.Layout and Features of the Auditorium
Visitors to the Actor's House are welcomed by a spacious foyer that also serves as an exhibition space. The intimate auditorium accommodates 200 people and features excellent acoustics and a lavish interior. The venue also has a theater library.What Events Take Place at the Actor's House
The venue serves as both a concert and theater space. Its stage hosts:- productions by independent and chamber theater companies;
- classical and jazz concerts;
- literary evenings;
- art exhibitions and other cultural events.
