Theaters and cinemas in Samarkand

The Anton Pavlovich Chekhov Samarkand Drama Theatre is one of the oldest cultural institutions in the city and the most important center of Russian drama in Central Asia. Its history begins at the end of the 19th century, when a group of Russian immigrants and local intellectuals, united by their love of theater, created an amateur drama club. The first productions took place in small halls and clubs, but even then the Samarkand audience enthusiastically accepted performances based on plays by Griboyedov, Ostrovsky, Fonvizin and Chekhov.

Over time, the circle grew into a full-fledged troupe, and at the beginning of the 20th century, a building specially adapted for theatrical needs appeared in Samarkand. After the October Revolution, the theater received official status, and in the post-war years it became a professional institution with a permanent stage and artistic direction.

The theater was named after Anton Pavlovich Chekhov as a sign of respect for the great Russian playwright, whose plays form the basis of his repertoire to this day.