SADRIDDIN AYNIY TEATRI

The Bukhara Theatre, officially known as the Sadriddin Ayni State Musical Drama and Comedy Theatre, is one of the earliest professional Uzbek theatres.

The theatre was founded in 1921 on the initiative of Fayzulla Khojayev and was based on an amateur theatrical group. It officially opened in 1922 with the performance The Punishment of Slanderers by Hamza. Its second production was The Turkestan Doctor by Mannon Uygur in 1923.

The founder and artistic director of the theatre was Mannon Uygur. Among the first artists who made significant contributions to the development of the theatre were Hikmat Latipov, Lutfulla Nazrullayev, N. Rahmonov, L. Latipov, Sa’dikhon Tabibullayev, N. G‘aniyev, and others.

In 1924, a group of actors was sent to study at the Uzbek Drama Studio in Moscow. Until the end of 1930, the theatre mainly presented short plays and concert programs. After graduates of the drama studio, including B. Khojayev, S. Abdullayev, A. Olimova, B. Jamolov, and M. Musayev, returned in 1930, the theatre achieved the status of a fully professional institution.

Productions such as The Revolt by D. Furmanov and S. Polivanov, The Forced Doctor by Molière, and Blood and Water by L. Sayfullina further strengthened the theatre’s professional reputation.

In 1931, Ya. Bobojonov was appointed artistic director, while Sh. Shorahimov became the chief stage designer.

The mid-1930s marked a turning point in the theatre’s creative development. Considerable effort was devoted to mastering realistic artistic methods and consolidating earlier achievements. Uzbek drama, as well as Russian and international classical works, played an important role in improving the actors’ skills and shaping the theatre’s artistic identity.

In 1936, the institution was transformed into a musical drama theatre. During this period, the company was enriched by performers such as A. Khojayeva, S. Yarashev, A. Okhunov, N. Ne’matova, A. Atoyev, and Z. Soliyeva.

During World War II, the theatre staged productions reflecting the heroic struggle of the Uzbek people. In the postwar years, its repertoire expanded significantly. Particular attention was given to contemporary social issues, the dedication of ordinary people, moral and spiritual values, peace, and humanitarian ideals.

Among the theatre’s notable productions were:

• Layli and Majnun (Khurshid; music by T. Sodiqov and R. Glière);

• Ravshan and Zulkhumor (Komil Yashin; music by T. Sodiqov);

• Qurbon Umarov (S. Abdulla and Chustiy; music by T. Jalilov);

• The Golden Lake (Uyg‘un; music by M. Leviyev);

• The Embroidered Robe and Pains (Abdulla Qahhor);

• Secrets of the Heart (Bahrom Rahmonov);

• Oftobxon (Komil Yashin; music by H. To‘xtasinov);

• The Rich Man and the Servant (Hamza);

• Alisher Navoi (Uyg‘un and I. Sultan);

• Faith (I. Sultan), and many others.

In 1958, the theatre was officially named after the renowned writer and public figure Sadriddin Ayni.

During the 1960s and 1970s, the theatre’s efforts to develop an independent repertoire proved highly successful and contributed significantly to its artistic growth.