The State Academic Mariinsky Theatre

An urban glass-and-metal structure rising over the end of the Golden (Zolotoi) Bridge on the Churkin side of Vladivostok is Primorsky Stage of The State Academic Mariinsky Theatre, which has rapidly become the center of cultural life in the Primorye region.

Like the Golden Bridge, Primorsky Stage was built in record time — in just three years. Much like the three bridges of Vladivostok, the Primorsky Stage construction faced a great deal of skepticism — the idea of creating a large modern opera house with 1,702 seats in the Far East seemed very utopian. Nevertheless, it was built, and soon thereafter it was opened and quickly filled with lights, sound, and an excited audience.

Primorsky Stage is famous for its unparalleled acoustics that are achieved through the following factors: the horseshoe shape of the Grand Hall, which creates a perfect space for the sound to travel through; the inner walls of the hall, covered with custom-made wooden plates that reflect and absorb the sound (the same technique is used in the world’s most contemporary opera houses); and the unique cable-stayed ceiling that was made without any metal.

Primorsky Stage has several auditoriums. The Small Hall (312 seats) is designed for chamber music concert, and it showcases nights of romantic songs as well as short scenes from ballets. The Parterre (orchestra level) is leveled with the stage, opening up the space. The Grand Hall of Primorsky Stage is used for large-scale opera and ballet productions, with the capacity to house 1,390 people. The Summer Stage is designed for outdoor performances and orchestra chamber concerts.

However, it goes without saying that artists are the most important part of any theater. Primorsky Stage invites talented individuals from all over the world: musicians from Mariinsky and Bolshoi Theaters; international award-winning opera singers; and ballet dancers from Korea, Japan, and the United States. The cast is young, bright, and incredibly talented.

At the beginning, the theater introduced well-known classics, such as Eugene Onegin, Carmen, The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, and other popular masterpieces. A stage design deserves a special word! As the curtain rises before every production, the audience’s breath is immediately taken away by the luxury and beauty of the set. In the future, more contemporary pieces will be added to the theater’s repertoire. The International Bridges of Culture is another wonderful and popular tradition in Vladivostok that creates a cultural bond between different cities and countries.

Having a theater of such caliber in Vladivostok is a life-changing event for the local emerging talents. It gives them the chance at a brilliant stage career, right in their hometown. Today the Primorsky Stage of The State Academic Mariinsky Theatre is a home, stage, and beacon of hope for young dancers from Vladivostok ballet schools.

At first, many people wondered whether Primorsky Stage would ever be filled to its full capacity. Well, since its opening, every production has been sold out! We recommend booking your tickets in advance, either online or at the box office.