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rebellions, but they were not followed by any essential the European type developed in Georgia. Vorontsov, as a
positive results. The country was experiencing aggravated state official of the Russian Empire, had his own political
social-political and economic crisis. King of Georgia Erekle goals. He suggested the high authorities to found the
II (1720-1798) tried his best to find the way out. In 1783 he Russian theatre in Tbilisi not for the purpose of enjoyment
concluded the protection agreement between Georgia and or entertainment, but for pragmatic considerations: theatre,
Russia – the so-called “Giorgievski Treatise”. He hoped that in his opinion, was an establishment, in which the local
Christian Russia would protect his Christian country from population would familiarize with the Russian language,
the attacks of Turkey and Iran, but the Russian Empire did the Russian habits and customs and thus gradually their
not observe any single article of the Treatise. Even more, merging with Russia would be promoted. Vorontsov,
Russia abolished the Kingdom of Georgia, deprived the together with his wife, often arranged receptions and balls,
Georgian Orthodox Church, which was 600 years older than invited renowned representatives of the Georgian nobility,
the Church of Russia, of its autocephaly and delegated its had friendly relations with them and easily agreed to Giorgi
governing to the Saint Synod of Russia. In every possible Eristavi, who appealed to him with the request to direct his
way Russia restricted the Georgian language and the play in the assembly hall of the Royal Gymnasium on 15
Georgian culture. In 1801 Georgia was finally formed as January (1 January by old style) of 1850.
one of the component parts of the Russian Empire. The Soon Vorontsov started preparations for building the
Georgian royal dynasty of the Bagrationis was abolished Opera Theater. Agreement was concluded with honorary
and Vicegerent of Caucasus was appointed. citizen of Tbilisi, large capitalist Gabriel Tamamshev, who
Starting from this period permanent fight is ongoing had to build a two-storey stone theater building at his own
to rescue the national culture. Musical-literary salons were expenses on the land plot owned by him in the Erevan
being formed, wonderful national and European music Square (the present Tavisupleba Square in front of the
was heard at the feasts and gatherings along with dances, Sakrebulo - the City Council). Then he had to transfer the
songs and classical musical compositions, but this was not building into the city ownership. It was named the Theater
development of professional cultural spheres. These events of Karvasla (Caravanserai), because merchant Tamamshev
were arranged by the representatives of some aristocratic retained the right to preserve the trading centers in his
families: the families of Chavchavadze, Orbeliani, ownership. The project of construction was compiled by
Baratashvili, Palavandishvili, Eristavi … architect Giovanni Skudieri, and was decorated by artist G.
In the 40s of XIX century a dance class opened in Gagarin (1881-1893).
Tbilisi, headed by ballerina Antonelli. It permitted only The building cost half a million ruble and with its volume
girls and its door was closed for boys. For her dance class and interior decoration and wealth was no less impressive
Antonelli did not set the task to prepare professional ballet than the Opera Theaters of the European capitals. Famous
dancers. Her purpose was to teach the ballroom dances to literary and theatrical figure, Count V. A. Sologub was
the representatives of high aristocratic families. Antonelli’s appointed to the position of theater director.
dance class did not last long. In November 1851 the opera of Gaetano Donizetti
In 1844, adjutant-general Mikheil Vorontsov was “Lucia di Lammermoor” was performed, the first ballet
appointed to the position of Vicegerent of Caucasus. Just production was an extract from “La Sylphide” by Georges 41
through his efforts and promotion theatre-musical life of Nettshoppers and different dance compositions. For this