The Russian State Academic G. A. Tovstonogov Bolshoi Drama Theater is one of the most renowned theatrical venues both in Russia and abroad. It was established shortly after the October Revolution and quickly gained popularity, largely due to the involvement of artistic figures such as Alexander Benois and Maxim Gorky. Today, the theater is known for its relevant and sharp productions.

The historic building of the theater was constructed in the second half of the 19th century on the banks of the Fontanka River at the request of patron Anton Apraxin. The project was developed by Swiss architect Ludwig Fontana. Until 1917, it housed the Suvorin or Small Theater, which opened in 1895 with Ostrovsky's play "The Storm." In 1917, the theater was nationalized, and in 1920, the BDT began its operations.

The initiators of the creation of the Bolshoi Drama Theater were Maxim Gorky, Alexander Blok, and Maria Andreeva. Blok became the first artistic director of the theater. The official opening took place on February 15, 1919, with the production of "Don Carlos" by Schiller. In 1920, the theater received the building on the Fontanka, where it remains today.

In its early years, the BDT won the love of the audience by staging works of world playwrights and domestic writers. Artist Vladimir Shchuko created decorations using unique artistic techniques and authentic props. The musical arrangement of the performances was provided by composers Boris Asafiev and Yuri Shaporin.

After Gorky's departure and Blok's death, the theater experienced a change of directors. Until 1922, Nikolai Petrov and Konstantin Khokhlov worked here. Nikolai Akimov and Yuri Annenkov replaced Benois. The repertoire was enriched with new productions, including plays by Gorky. In 1932, the theater was named after him.

The 1930s were difficult for the country and the theater. Frequent changes of directors began, some of whom faced repression. Konstantin Tverskoy, who headed the theater from 1929 to 1935, was arrested and executed. Under him, the BDT transitioned to modern productions. Alexei Diky, who replaced Tverskoy, was also arrested. By 1955, the theater had changed five directors, negatively affecting its atmosphere.

By the early 1940s, the popularity of the BDT had declined, and the quality of productions had decreased. During the war years, the troupe was evacuated to Kirov. Frequent changes in leadership and the lack of a unified plan led to the departure of many talented actors. The theater was on the brink of closure.

In 1956, Georgy Tovstonogov took over the BDT, demanding expanded powers. He began with mass layoffs, which helped improve the atmosphere within the team. Tovstonogov revised the repertoire, alternating tragic and comedic productions. By 1957, audiences began to fill the theater halls again.

The BDT gained popularity not only in Russia but also abroad. However, Tovstonogov's activities were controlled by party organs and subjected to censorship. Some performances were banned, but the director managed to defend them.

The theater successfully toured Europe, Japan, Israel, and South America. Under Tovstonogov's leadership, a "golden troupe" was formed, which included actors such as N. Olkhina, T. Doronina, S. Kryuchkova, A. Freindlikh, O. Basilashvili, K. Lavrov, and others. The role of Prince Myshkin in the play "The Idiot" brought fame to Innokenty Smoktunovsky.

After Tovstonogov's death in 1989, the theater fell into crisis. Kirill Lavrov became the new artistic director. The situation remained unstable until 2004, when Temur Chkheidze became the chief director.

Since 2013, the theater has been headed by Andrei Moguchiy. Today, the theater is actively developing, raising relevant topics and receiving high praise from critics. It has become a laureate of numerous awards and prizes. Since 2013, the "Era of Enlightenment" program has been in operation, and since 2020, the online platform "BDT Digital".

The historic building of the theater on the Fontanka was restored in 2014, preserving its historical appearance and receiving modern technical equipment. In 2005, the BDT acquired a second stage in the Kamenny Ostrov Theater, which was restored by 2012 and is called the Second Stage of the Bolshoi Drama Theater.