Leslie Massey
Azerbaijan has a rich history of theatrical arts, with elements of theatre present in many aspects of Azerbaijani culture, including games, songs, wedding traditions, and holidays. The country's theatre scene found early expression in the classic Navruz comedic act, featuring two characters, Kos-Kosa and Kechel, with a consistent storyline, dramatic overtones, and exaggerated costumes and masks. The first professional performance in the Azerbaijani language, Vizier of Lankaran Khanate, written by Mirza Fatali Akhundovas, was staged in Baku in March 1873. Today, Azerbaijan boasts a diverse range of theatres, including state-owned and private establishments, with a total of 27 state theatres, including 11 drama theatres, a State Puppet Theatre, a State Pantomime Theatre, and a Marionette Theatre. The country also has a growing private theatre industry that seeks new means of expression while maintaining financial independence.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of state theatres | 27 |
| Number of drama theatres | 11 |
| Types of theatres | State Puppet Theatre, State Pantomime Theatre, Marionette Theatre, Baku Open Air Cinema, Nizami Cinema Centre, Park Bulvar Cinema, Nizami Ganjavi International Centre |
| Ticket prices | 1-33 AZN |
What You'll Learn
Ticket prices at Azerbaijani theatres
Azerbaijan has a rich history of theatre, with the first professional performance in the Azerbaijani language staged in Baku in 1873. Today, there are 27 state theatres in the country, including 11 drama theatres, a State Puppet Theatre, a State Pantomime Theatre, and a Marionette Theatre.
Ticket prices for Azerbaijani theatres vary depending on the type of performance and the theatre's location. Here is a detailed list of ticket prices for various theatres in Azerbaijan, as reported in 2018:
Academic National Drama Theatre
Ticket prices range from 6 to 10 AZN.
Azerbaijan State Music Theatre
Ticket price for children is 6 AZN, while adults pay between 8 and 10 AZN. During the New Year holiday, tickets for children are priced at 8 AZN and include a gift.
Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre
Ticket prices for children range from 5 to 7 AZN, while adults pay between 11 and 16 AZN. However, tickets for performances such as "Carmen" and "Manon Lesko" can cost up to 33 AZN on the iTicket.az website.
Azerbaijan State Puppet Theatre named after Abdulla Shaig
The standard ticket price is 3 AZN.
Baku Children's Theatre
Tickets for children are 5 AZN, and 7 AZN for adults when the theatre organises plays for older audiences.
Azerbaijan State Pantomime Theatre
Ticket price for children is 5 AZN, and 7 AZN for adults.
Azerbaijan State Russian Drama Theatre
Ticket price for children is 5 AZN for both regular and evening performances. Gala plays cost 20 AZN.
Young Spectator's Theatre
Ticket prices vary from 6 to 8 AZN.
Ganja State Drama Theatre
Ticket prices are very affordable, ranging from 1 to 2 AZN. The price may change if there are additions or changes to the program.
Sumgait State Drama Theatre
Ticket price is 2 AZN for children and 5 to 6 AZN for adults.
Shusha State Musical Drama Theatre
Ticket prices vary between 2 and 5 AZN. Prices are expected to increase after the theatre moves to a new building.
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The history of Azerbaijani theatre
The earliest forms of Azerbaijani theatre were influenced by folk performances and religious ceremonies. Games such as "gizlanpach" (hide and seek) and "kosaldigach" (polo), as well as wedding traditions and holidays, incorporated theatrical elements. Collective male dances, rope-walkers, and snake charmers were also important in the development of early Azerbaijani theatre.
The first professional performance in the Azerbaijani language, "Vizier of Lankaran Khanate" by Mirza Fatali Akhundovas, was staged in Baku in March 1873. This sparked the development of Azerbaijani theatre, with performances taking place not only in the capital but also in provincial towns. The repertoire consisted of local plays, as well as Russian and Western classics. Azerbaijani theatre became a platform for new ideas and a space to speak against religious fanaticism and injustice.
During the Soviet period, all Azerbaijani theatres were nationalised and their plays were put under strict censorship. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, local theatre embraced new ideas and experimental approaches. Today, there are 27 state theatres in Azerbaijan, including drama theatres, puppet theatres, and pantomime theatres. The country also has a growing private theatre industry that is financially independent and continues to push the boundaries of theatrical expression.
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The future of Azerbaijani theatre
The origins of Azerbaijani theatre lie in ancient traditions of dance and performance, with elements of theatrical action present in games, songs, and wedding traditions. The classic Navruz comedic act, featuring the characters Kos-Kosa and Kechel, is one of the earliest examples of Azerbaijani theatre. The first professional performance in the Azerbaijani language, "Vizier of Lankaran Khanate" by Mirza Fatali Akhundovas, was staged in Baku in 1873 and marked the beginning of modern Azerbaijani theatre.
Under Soviet rule, all Azerbaijani theatres were nationalized and their plays were put under strict censorship. Despite these restrictions, Azerbaijani theatre continued to develop and spread new ideas, reflecting the revolutionary spirit of the time. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, local theatre embraced new experimental approaches, with groups like YUĞ Theatre leading the way.
Today, Azerbaijani theatre continues to evolve and innovate, with a mix of traditional and modern influences. The country's rich cultural heritage, including its ancient theatrical traditions and folk dances, provides a strong foundation for the future of the art form. The growing private theatre industry, free from government influence and financial support, is also driving the development of new forms of expression and experimentation.
Looking ahead, Azerbaijani theatre is likely to continue thriving and evolving, with a focus on innovation and a return to its entrepreneurial roots. The combination of traditional influences and modern experimental approaches will shape the future of this dynamic art form in Azerbaijan.
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The role of censorship in Azerbaijani theatre
Azerbaijan has a rich history of theatre, with modern Azerbaijani theatre taking shape in the latter half of the 19th century. The first professional performance in the Azerbaijani language, "Vizier of Lankaran Khanate", was staged in Baku in 1873. Since then, theatre in Azerbaijan has been used as a platform to speak against religious fanaticism and injustice, as well as reflect revolutionary ideas.
During Soviet rule, all Azerbaijani theatres were nationalized and their plays put under strict censorship. This censorship ensured that the themes and messages conveyed in the plays aligned with the Soviet ideology and propaganda. Any deviation from the approved script could result in the halting of filming or the blocking of a film's release.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijani theatre took a more open stance towards new ideas. Experimental theatre groups emerged, such as YUĞ Theatre, which was created by Vagif Ibrahimoglu in 1989. These groups explored revolutionary approaches, including deconstructing scripts, incorporating psychoanalytical styles of acting, and drawing from Sufism.
Today, there are 27 state theatres in Azerbaijan, including 11 drama theatres, a State Puppet Theatre, a State Pantomime Theatre, and a Marionette Theatre. There is also a growing private theatre industry that seeks new means of expression while maintaining financial independence from the government.
While censorship in Azerbaijani theatre has loosened since the Soviet era, media censorship in Azerbaijan is still prevalent. Independent news media websites are often blocked, and social media platforms were temporarily blocked during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war.
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The impact of film on Azerbaijani theatre
Azerbaijan has a rich history of performing arts, with the country's theatre scene dating back to the 19th century. The first professional performance in the Azerbaijani language, "Vizier of Lankaran Khanate", was staged in Baku in 1873.
Under Soviet rule, Azerbaijani theatres reflected the revolutionary ideas reaching the country from the north. Film influenced the themes and styles of plays, with filmmakers and theatre artists exploring social and political issues through their work. The early 20th century also saw the emergence of experimental theatre groups in Azerbaijan, such as YUĞ Theatre, which challenged traditional approaches to scripting, acting, and dramaturgy.
The influence of film on Azerbaijani theatre continued even after the country gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The choice of content and sponsorship of films were now largely left to the initiative of individual filmmakers, allowing for more creative freedom and exploration of new themes in theatre. Today, there is a growing private theatre industry in Azerbaijan that is financially independent and continues to seek new means of expression.
In conclusion, film has had a significant and lasting impact on Azerbaijani theatre. From the early 20th century to the present day, film has influenced the content, style, and creative direction of theatrical performances in Azerbaijan, contributing to a dynamic and evolving theatre scene in the country.
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Frequently asked questions
Azerbaijan currently has 27 state theaters, including 11 drama theaters, a State Puppet Theater, a State Pantomime Theater, and a Marionette Theater. There is also a growing number of private theaters.
Ticket prices for Azerbaijani theaters vary depending on the theater and the type of performance. For example, ticket prices for adults at the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater range from 11 to 16 AZN, while tickets for children at the Azerbaijan State Music Theater cost 6 AZN.
Azerbaijani theater has a rich history, with early expressions found in classic Navruz comedic acts, such as "Kos-Kosa and Kechel." Modern Azerbaijani theater began in the latter half of the 19th century, with the first professional performance in the Azerbaijani language being "Vizier of Lankaran Khanate," staged in Baku in 1873. Other notable performances include "Haji Gara," "Monsieur Jordan," and "Mastali Shah."
Azerbaijani theater has been influenced by the country's history and culture, often reflecting new ideas and serving as a platform to speak against religious fanaticism and injustice. During Soviet rule, Azerbaijani theaters were nationalized and their plays were put under strict censorship. However, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Azerbaijani theater took a more open stance toward experimental approaches and new ideas.
