Kryvyi Rih Academic City Theatre of Drama and Musical Comedy named after T. Shevchenko

Taras Shevchenko Theatre in Kryvyi Rih: Where the Cultural Heart of an Industrial Center Beats

The activities of the Taras Shevchenko Kryvyi Rih Academic City Theatre bring together two vibrant traditions – classical drama and operetta and musical comedy. Thanks to the theatre’s work, the industrial character of the city intersects with artistic trends that nourish its cultural soul and provide opportunities for cultural leisure for residents and visitors to Kryvyi Rih.

History of the Theatre

The history of the Taras Shevchenko Kryvyi Rih Academic Theatre of Drama and Musical Comedy began in 1931, when the «Kryvbas» Theatre was established in the city. The new center of the arts quickly became an important part of Kryvyi Rih’s cultural life. The repertoire of that time reflected its era – heroic and pathos-filled productions about the labor achievements and military exploits of the Soviet people predominated.

In 1966, the theatre received the status of a music and drama theatre, and since 1981 it has had its current name – the Taras Shevchenko Theatre of Drama and Musical Comedy. The theatre received academic status in 2012.

For Kryvyi Rih, this temple of Melpomene has long held a special place: local residents call it legendary and see it as part of the city’s history, which continues to be written before today’s audiences. Over the decades of its work, the theatre stage has hosted more than 20,000 performances, while more than 700 productions have been performed during tours, including around 150 for children.

Architectural Features and Seating Capacity

The two-story theatre building is a characteristic example of Soviet Neoclassicism. Brick walls, a plastered façade, a portico of the Ionic order and 28 columns create a monumental architectural image complemented by a steel-gray color. The large-scale reconstruction of 2010–2012 was aimed not only at updating the exterior but also at improving conditions for audiences and performers. During this period, the stage and auditorium were renovated, modern equipment was installed, the Small Stage was arranged and the adjacent theatre square was renovated.

The Main Hall of the Taras Shevchenko Theatre has 644 seats. The Small Hall has become an experimental space where the number of seats varies depending on the concept of the performance, the arrangement of the scenery and the way the stage is constructed. In its standard format, it accommodates approximately 50–70 visitors.

The Theatre Company

The creative company of the Taras Shevchenko Theatre brings together performers from different fields who work at the intersection of dramatic art, vocals and choreography. This versatility of the troupe allows it to create productions in a wide variety of genres – from dramatic performances to large-scale musical shows. Nazar Chyrka has been the theatre’s director for many years, while director Mykhailo Melnykov is responsible for creating productions in various genres.

Repertoire

Over the years of its existence, the theatre’s repertoire has come a long way – from the heroic and pathos-filled works of the 1930s to complex musical and dramatic forms. Alongside classical Ukrainian drama, including «Natalka Poltavka» and «Lymerivna», operettas, vaudevilles and musicals from the world tradition later appeared. It was after the transition to the format of a theatre of drama and musical comedy in 1981 that the programme became even more diverse.

Today, the theatre combines timeless stories with a contemporary stage language. The Main Stage features a beloved story about Mowgli, the ironic detective «Eight Loving Women», the comedy «Estrogen» and new Ukrainian productions. Despite the challenges of wartime and air raid alerts, the company continues working on new premieres and exploring relevant forms. The Small Stage serves as a venue for intimate psychological stories and interactive children's performances, where the distance between actors and audiences is reduced to a minimum.

Every year, the theatre stages more than 300 performances, including up to ten new productions. Its stage productions attract around 50,000 spectators annually – residents of Kryvyi Rih and visitors to the city.

2026 Programme: Performances at the Taras Shevchenko Kryvyi Rih Theatre of Drama and Musical Comedy

In September 2026, the Taras Shevchenko Theatre in Kryvyi Rih began a new theatre season. Even under the difficult conditions of wartime, the company continues its work and prepares new encounters with the audience. By the end of the year, the theatre plans to present three premieres. The new season will feature both productions by the theatre company and performances by touring projects.

What Events Take Place at the Taras Shevchenko Theatre in Kryvyi Rih

The stage of the Taras Shevchenko Theatre has long been one of the central cultural venues in Kryvyi Rih. It is used not only for repertoire productions but also for various artistic, cultural and social events that bring together audiences of different ages within the theatre’s space. These include:

• The «Mirror» dance performance;
• a concert by singer DOMIY;
• the «Estrogen» performance, 16+;
• a concert by singer SHUMEI;
• the «Orange Punch» performance;
• the Sax Vibes music programme and other events.

Where Is the Taras Shevchenko Theatre of Drama and Musical Comedy in Kryvyi Rih Located?

The theatre is located in the central part of Kryvyi Rih at 23 Poshtovyi Avenue. The most convenient landmark when travelling by public transport is Liberation Square – a major transport hub in the Central City District. From there, the theatre is just a few minutes’ walk through a picturesque part of the avenue. If you are travelling by car, you can leave your vehicle near the square or on the surrounding streets.

How to Get Tickets for Performances and Concerts at the Theatre of Drama and Musical Comedy in Kryvyi Rih

You do not even need to leave home to order tickets for selected events: tickets are available online on our website. Check the theatre programme today and book the best seats in the hall. We remind you that going to the theatre can be a wonderful gift for family and friends. So do not forget about the healing power of art, take care of your mental health and help others keep going. To receive your e-tickets, simply make a payment on the website and check your email: the tickets will already be there, attached to the message.