National Theater Day in Azerbaijan Date in the current year: March 10, 2024

The history of Azerbaijani theater dates back to ancient times. Theatrical elements can be found in traditional games, wedding rituals and Azerbaijani holidays. However, national Azerbaijani theater in its modern form was created in the second half of the 19th century. Its emergence is associated with Mirza Fatali Akhundov.

Akhundov is considered the first Azerbaijani playwright. He is sometimes referred to as “Molière of the Orient” due to his significant contribution to the development of Azerbaijani literature and theater. On March 10, 1873 his play “The Adventure of the Lankaran Khanate’s Vizier” premiered in Baku. This day is regarded as the birthday of Azerbaijani theater.

Following the success of the play, the number of young playwrights and theater companies (amateur and professional alike) in Azerbaijan began to grow. The country’s first state theater, the Azerbaijan State Theater, was officially founded in 1919. As of 2014, there are 26 state theaters in Azerbaijan.

National Theater Day was created to celebrate the role of theater in the cultural life of the country. It is observed with conferences, round table discussions, premieres of new plays and other appropriate events and activities.