Mikhail Chekhov Theatre is the oldest Russian theatre in the world outside Russia (ANNO 1883). Historically, its artistic search has been developing in the directions of deep psychological performances and expansion of the frameworks of a drama genre. The Theatre was the first to stage a number of plays, which later became most popular; it also turned to musical performances very early and quite successfully.
Since 1990, Eduards Cehovals, General Manager, has been inviting many staging directors from Russia and other countries in order to enrich the artistic offer. The Theatre also involves young Latvian staging directors (Elmars Senkovs, Inese Pudzha, Inese Michule) and encourages a cultural dialogue in any format and at all the levels.
Since 2000, the Theatre has been having strong creative relations with the Latvian composer Raimonds Pauls; the joint project “Odessa, That Magical Town...” is one of the most desirable productions and already has an impressive touring experience (Germany, Russia, Israel, USA, and Ukraine).
In 2006, the Theatre (former Riga Russian Drama Theatre) re-claimed its historical name and acquired the right to be called after Mikhail (Michael) Chekhov, giving a tribute of memory to the brilliant actor, director and teacher, who devoted two years of his life to the work in Riga.
In 2010, the Theatre opened the season in the renovated and newly equipped building and engaged a new artistic director - Igor Konyayev, who brought to stage the legendary figure of Oscar Strok, “the king of tango”, born in Latvia. A production, based on his music and life story, is the Theatre’s calling card.
Nowadays, the Theatre is proud to be well-liked by viewers both in Latvia and abroad. Its repertory covers Russian, Latvian and world classic as well as young playwrights’ works. On the big and small stages, performances of all genres are held, including children's and musical productions. The theatre goes on tours actively and is quite successful on the festivals’ arena.
