My route through the center of the Georgian capital included both ancient monuments of history and architecture, as well as modern buildings. Among the latter was the building of the Tbilisi State Puppet Theater named after Rezo Gabriadze. I was intrigued by the very unusual tower rising at its entrance.
How to Get There
The theater is located at 13 Shavteli Street. I walked here from Rike Park. For those who plan to use public transport, you can reach the theater by taking the metro to "Liberty Square" station or getting to the bus and minibus stop "Baratashvili Street," which is just a five-minute walk from the theater.
According to information from the institution's website, in winter 2024, the theater's repertoire includes four performances. Tickets for the shows can be purchased online.
A Bit of History
The Puppet Theater was created by Georgian screenwriter and director Rezo Gabriadze, known for his screenplays for films such as "Kin-Dza-Dza!," "Mimino," and "Don't Grieve!"
The theater building was opened in 1981. Gabriadze assembled a troupe of puppeteers several years before that. Four years before the complex's opening, the master released the short film "The Dreams of Kojori Forest," featuring controlled theatrical dolls.
During my walk, the theater itself was closed, but I had no plans to explore its interiors; I was mostly interested in the towering tower nearby. Online sources mention that it appeared here in 2010. The unique structure is a brick building with many details: you can see columns with capitals, relief ornaments, a balcony with a bell, tiles with bright images, and a massive metal beam in its design.
In the upper part of the tower, there is a large clock mechanism. Locals say that an unusual puppet show takes place here every morning and evening, though I didn't witness it.
On the way to the theater, I encountered several sculptural compositions. One of them is called "Berikaoba," dedicated to the Georgian folk theater of masks. Another, according to comments online, refers to the characters of the song "Million Roses."
Next to the theater, there is another attraction on my route through Tbilisi — the Anchiskhati Basilica, considered one of the city's oldest structures.
Have a nice trip!
