Poleski Drama Theatre

Polesie Drama Theatre is one of the main cultural attractions of Pinsk, located in a historic early 20th-century building on Vera Khoruzhaya Street. The theatre not only preserves the region’s theatrical traditions but also actively promotes modern performing arts. Its intimate atmosphere, diverse repertoire, and unique architecture attract both locals and tourists. The building itself — formerly the «Casino» cinema — is an architectural monument and an important part of the city’s history. Visiting the theatre is a memorable cultural highlight of any tour in Pinsk.

History of the theatre in Pinsk

Theatrical life in Pinsk has deep historical roots. The first professional theatre in the city was established in 1939, following the reunification of Western Belarus with the BSSR, and was named the Polesie Regional Drama Theatre.

Even before the war, 13 productions were staged. After a break caused by World War II, the theatre resumed work in 1946. However, in 1954 the institution was moved to Mogilev, and the historical building became a city House of Culture.

The theatre's second birth took place in 2006. After a major renovation of the former «Casino» cinema building, the Polesie Drama Theatre was established there. Today, it is a modern cultural venue with a rich playbill that includes both classical productions and contemporary plays.

Architecture and interior

The building that now houses the Polesie Drama Theatre has a rich and fascinating history. In the early 20th century, when cinema was just becoming popular, Pinsk merchant David Leibovich Boyarsky decided to open the city’s first movie theatre. He purchased a plot at the corner of Inzhenernaya Street (now Vera Khoruzhaya) and Prodelno-Shkolnaya Street (now V. Korzh) and quickly completed construction in November 1911. Initially, Boyarsky planned to name the cinema «Louvre», but eventually settled on «Casino».

The architectural design was well thought out: a square tower with a tall octagonal dome covered in a scaly material rose at the corner of the building. The upper windows of the tower were shaped like three petals, and the lower ones had rectangular frames. The same pattern was used in the doorways, while the other windows were rectangular with framed detailing.

The «Casino» cinema quickly gained popularity among locals. In the 1940s, it was renamed «Rodina» and operated until the late 1990s. In March 2006, after restoration and partial renovation, the Polesie Drama Theatre opened in this historic building.

Tours of the Polesie Drama Theatre

Visiting the Polesie Drama Theatre can be part of individual and group tours of Pinsk, giving tourists a chance to enjoy performances and learn about the history and architecture of this unique building. The tour program includes both exterior and interior views of the early 20th-century Art Nouveau architectural monument, as well as insights into the history of theatre in Pinsk.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the Polesie Drama Theatre on a guided tour — book an exciting trip to Pinsk on the Ekskursii.by website and immerse yourself in the theatrical heritage of the Polesie region.