THE VOLKOV THEATRE

The First Russian public professional national theatre, founded in 1750 in Yaroslavl by the outstanding actor and director Fyodor Volkov.

The Volkov Theatre is designated as a Specially Valuable Object of Cultural Heritage of the Peoples of the Russian Federation. Presidential Decree No. 450 of September 16, 2019

THE FIRST RUSSIAN
NATIONAL THEATRE

THREE CENTURIES
OF EXCELLENCE

The Russian State Academic Theatre of Drama named after Fyodor Volkov traces its history back to the theatre founded in Yaroslavl in 1750 by Fyodor Volkov, the son of a merchant who became a towering figure of the Russian Baroque era. In a converted warehouse on the Volga, he created a permanent troupe, developed scenery and costumes from scratch, and built a repertoire of Russian and translated plays — this became the starting point of professional theatre in Russia. The success of the Yaroslavl company drew the attention of Empress Elizabeth who ordered Volkov and his actors to St Petersburg. There they became the core of the first state Imperial Russian drama theatre founded in 1756 (now - Alexandrinsky Theatre).

“Who was it, where and when, that first brought this new art into our lives? It was he, our unforgettable Fyodor Grigorievich Volkov. We, actors, the Russian people, must raise a monument to him — it is our direct duty. To Volkov, to Volkov, to Volkov — we owe everything.” Mikhail Shchepkin
one of the greatest Russian actors

For nearly three centuries the Volkov Theatre has remained a vital force in Russian cultural life, maintaining its position as a leading institution in national performing arts. The theatre's unique status as the only non-capital federal dramatic theatre in Russia underscores its exceptional significance to the nation's cultural heritage. The Volkov Theatre celebrated its 275th anniversary in 2025. Today the theatre upholds its motto “More Than a Theatre” by serving as a cultural, educational, and research center that extends far beyond traditional stage performances.

"In 2025, we celebrate a momentous anniversary – the 275th anniversary of the creation of the First Russian Professional Theatre by Fyodor Volkov in Yaroslavl. It remains unchanged that the invitation to perform in the birthplace of Russian theatre is extended to the best companies from across the country and abroad." Olga Lyubimova,
Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation

The theatre occupies a magnificent building in the heart of Yaroslavl, constructed in 1911 and designed by architect Nikolai Spirin. This architectural monument is adorned with sculptures of Apollo, Melpomene, and Thalia. The theatre has two stages: the Historic Stage with over 700 seats and the intimate Chamber Stage with 100 seats. As a repertory theatre, the Volkov presents a diverse programme encompassing Russian and international classics, contemporary drama, and innovative theatrical formats — from traditional Russian psychological theatre or commedia dell'arte comedies to site-specific, immersive, and promenade performances, with over 30 productions in active rotation.

"We don't just create performances — we explore the human condition through theatre by collaborating with other fields. Theatre combined with psychology, circus arts, museum exhibitions, contemporary media — this is how we expand the boundaries of what theatre can be and speak to audiences who might never have considered themselves theatregoers." Alexander Sozonov,
Chief Director of the Volkov Theatre

The Volkov Theatre's productions have earned national recognition. Several productions by the Volkov Theatre have been nominated for the Golden Mask Prize, Russia's most prestigious theatre award, including a 2022 win for "Tsiolkovsky" (Best Stage Design) and a 2026 nomination for "How the Steel Was Tempered" based on Nikolai Ostrovsky's novel. Artistic Director Valery Kirillov's folk-rock musical "From Nekrasov to Nekrasov" was honored with the Yaroslavl Regional Prize for Achievement in Culture named after Fedor Volkov in 2023. His production "The Frozen Heart" (based on Ostrovsky's "The Snow Maiden") earned the creative team commemorative medals marking the 200th anniversary of Ostrovsky's birth in 2026.

Russian literary classics form the heart of the repertoire. Director Andrzej Buben has brought to life iconic works of 19th-century Russian literature with his productions of "Oblomov" by Ivan Goncharov and "Fathers and Sons" by Ivan Turgenev. The theatre's interpretation of Bulgakov's "Master and Margarita," presented as "Margarita," demonstrates the company's ability to tackle complex multi-layered narratives.

The theatre pioneers projects that merge theatre with other art forms. "Aivazovsky: Three Elements," directed by Alexander Sozonov in collaboration with the Yaroslavl Art Museum and the Russian Museum, unites painting, theatre, music, and animation, featuring composer Vladimir Martynov's score. Biographical productions "Fyodor Volkov. Ascension" and "Birth of a Legend" celebrate the theatre's founder and 275-year heritage.

The theatre tours extensively throughout Russia and internationally presenting over 30 productions outside Yaroslavl annually and bringing Russian theatrical art to audiences across the country and abroad.

THE THEATRE TODAY

IN NUMBERS

275

years of history

185 000+

audience per year

30+

tours per year

430

performances per year

575

guided tours per year