The 100th Anniversary of Establishment of Petros Adamyan Armenian State Drama Theater in Tbilisi - 1,000 dram 2021

Modern Silver Commemorative - 246

Armenian performances have been organized in Tbilisi, Georgia, since the 1820s. The Armenian theater as a professional structure was founded in 1858 and became a direct successor of the best traditions of the Eastern Armenian theater, undertaking the creation of a new Armenian theatrical art.

In 1921 the theater was organized as an Armenian state drama theater. The opening took place at the Artistic Theater (now the Rustaveli Theater), premiering Octave Mirbeau’s play “Les mauvais bergers” (directed by A. Beroyan). The founders included, among others, I․ Alikhanyan, A. Vruyr, O․ Maysuryan, A. and M․ Beroyans, Zabel, A. Rshtuni. In the first years the performances were given in different theaters of Tbilisi. In 1936 the theater moved to a new building in the Havlabar district (the first performance was “Shahnameh” by Janan), a time when the theater’s creative growth began. During those years, plays by both national and Russian and West-European authors were staged.
In 1955-1991, the theater was named after Stepan Shahumyan and, since 1991, after Petros Adamyan. Many prominent Armenian artists, including V. Papazyan, H. Abelyan, V. Vagharshyan, H. Nersisyan, G. Janibekyan performed at the Armenian State Drama Theater in Tbilisi.
Now the Petros Adamyan Armenian State Drama Theater in Tbilisi is considered one of the main Georgian-Armenian cultural and social centers.

Obverse: a stylized image from Petros Adamyan’s repertoire, symbolizing the role of Hamlet, and an image of an actress.
Reverse: the sculpture of Petros Adamyan (sculptor: Ara Sargsyan) and the graphic image of the theater building.

Designers: Vardan Vardanyan (obverse) and Lusine Lalayan (reverse).
The coin is minted in the Lithuanian Mint.

Denomination: 1,000 dram
Metal: Silver 925
Weight: 33.6g
Diameter: 40mm
Mintage: 500 pcs.
Edge: Reeded
Strike quality: Proof